Daily Current Affairs : 17-July-2023
In recent times, North Korea has garnered global attention with its latest missile test of the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This essay explores the features of the Hwasong-18 ICBM and provides an overview of ICBMs in general. By understanding the capabilities of this powerful weapon system and the broader context of ICBMs, we can better comprehend the implications of North Korea’s missile program.
The Hwasong-18 ICBM
The Hwasong-18 is a formidable intercontinental ballistic missile developed by North Korea. Here are some key features of this advanced weapon:
- Solid-Fuel Propellant Advantages
The Hwasong-18 employs solid-fuel propellants, which offer several advantages over liquid-fueled missiles:
• Faster Deployment: Solid-fuel propellants are preloaded into the missile, allowing for quicker readiness and deployment. In contrast, liquid-fueled missiles require fueling before launch, which takes time.
• Quick Acceleration: Solid propellants burn more efficiently, resulting in faster acceleration at liftoff. This characteristic makes the Hwasong-18 ICBM harder to intercept, increasing its potential effectiveness.
Understanding Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)
Before delving further into the Hwasong-18, let’s gain a broader understanding of ICBMs and their significance:
- Definition and Range
ICBMs are a class of ballistic missiles with a minimum range of 5,500 km (3,400 miles). They are designed for long-range delivery of nuclear weapons.
- Countries with ICBM Capability
Several countries possess land-based ICBMs, with the ability to project their military strength across continents:
• United States: The United States is a prominent holder of ICBMs, maintaining a robust nuclear triad with strategic bombers, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and land-based ICBMs.
• Russia: As another major nuclear power, Russia possesses a considerable arsenal of ICBMs, comprising different variants capable of striking targets worldwide.
• France, United Kingdom, China, India, and Israel: These countries are known to possess land-based ICBMs, though their arsenals are relatively smaller compared to the US and Russia.
The Agni-V: India’s ICBM
Among the countries mentioned earlier, India’s ICBM is the Agni-V:
• The Agni-V is a long-range ballistic missile developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
• It has a range of over 5,500 km, qualifying it as an intercontinental ballistic missile.
• The Agni-V adds to India’s strategic capabilities and is seen as a significant milestone in the country’s defense program.
Important Points:
- North Korea recently tested its latest Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
- The Hwasong-18 is a solid-fuelled ICBM, which allows for faster deployment of missiles and quicker acceleration at liftoff.
- ICBMs are ballistic missiles with a range of over 5,500 km and are designed for nuclear weapons delivery.
- Countries possessing ICBMs include North Korea, Russia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, China, India, and Israel.
- India’s ICBM is called Agni-V, and it has a range of over 5,500 km, making it an intercontinental ballistic missile.
- The United States and Russia maintain significant nuclear arsenals with land-based ICBMs as part of their strategic capabilities.
- France, the United Kingdom, China, India, and Israel also possess land-based ICBMs, albeit with smaller arsenals.
- Solid-fuel technology in the Hwasong-18 grants it advantages in terms of quicker deployment and acceleration, making it harder to intercept.
- Understanding the broader context of ICBMs emphasizes the importance of disarmament efforts and peaceful resolutions to global tensions.
- Non-proliferation and disarmament efforts are crucial for maintaining global security and stability amidst the challenges posed by ballistic missiles.
Why In News
Recently, North Korea conducted an alarming test launch of its latest Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), showcasing its continued efforts to advance its military capabilities. The international community responded with deep concern over the escalating tensions in the region, urging for diplomatic dialogue to defuse the situation and promote peace.
MCQs about North Korea’s Hwasong-18 ICBM
-
What distinguishes the Hwasong-18 ICBM from other missiles?
A. It is designed for short-range delivery.
B. It uses liquid-fuel propellants.
C. It has a faster deployment time due to solid-fuel propellants.
D. It is not capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
-
What defines an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)?
A. A missile with a range of less than 1,000 km.
B. A missile designed for delivering conventional weapons.
C. A missile with a minimum range of 5,500 km and nuclear weapons delivery technology.
D. A missile used exclusively by the United States and Russia.
-
Which of the following countries possess land-based ICBMs?
A. North Korea, Russia, and China.
B. France, India, and Israel.
C. The United States, the United Kingdom, and China.
D. Russia, the United States, and India.
-
What is the primary purpose of the Agni-V missile?
A. To serve as India’s space exploration vehicle.
B. To launch satellites into orbit.
C. To function as India’s primary ballistic missile for nuclear deterrence.
D. To provide communication services in remote areas.
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
