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A Chinese study suggests that North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missiles could penetrate US missile defense systems.
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The study simulated a Mars Artillery 15 missile fired at Columbia, Missouri.
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On Thursday, North Korea tested a state-of-the-art nuclear-armed missile.
North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile could hit the central United States in just 33 minutes, according to a new Chinese study, pointing to possible gaps in the US’s satellite-supported system for tracking missiles. .
Simulations conducted by the Beijing Institute of Electronic Systems Engineering found that one of the missiles could hit the continental United States within 1,997 seconds if not intercepted by US missile defenses. According to South China Morning Post.
The study simulated the launch of Hwasong Artillery-15 missiles from the central North Korean city of Suncheon toward Columbia, Missouri, according to the SCMP. Mars Cannon No. 15 is a two-stage type, Possibly nuclear-capable missile The operating range is up to 8,000 miles. This is “sufficient to attack the entire continental United States,” the SCMP reported, citing research leader Tang Yuyan.
The SCMP also said US missile defense systems would be alerted about 20 seconds after firing and the first interceptor would be launched about 11 minutes later.
Although the U.S. missile defense network is robust, there are still gaps in the satellite support system for tracking missiles, leaving the possibility that one slips through, according to the outlet.
Report released in mid-Februarycame ahead of a series of North Korean test launches this week.
Two strategic cruise missiles were launched from a submarine off North Korea’s east coast on Monday. According to Al Jazeera.
There was also an ICBM test on Thursday around 7am local time. BBC reported, citing Japanese and Korean officials. According to the BBC, the missile traveled about 620 miles and landed in waters west of Japan.
State-owned North Korean media Rodong Sinmun This is a larger and more advanced missile than the Hwasong-15 used in Beijing scientists’ simulations.
Read the original article at business insider