NATIONAL SECURITY/NORTH KOREA: “North Korea’s recent long-range missile test didn’t show Pyongyang is able to arm the device with a warhead that can survive the intense heat and vibration of re-entering the atmosphere, South Korea’s intelligence agency said.
The assessment, given to South Korean lawmakers on Tuesday [7-11-17], contradicts an assertion by North Korea and suggests the isolated state may still have a significant technical hurdle to overcome in its quest for a missile that can threaten major U.S. cities.
Governments and private sector analysts are still analyzing data from the July 4 test launch of a missile North Korea called the Hwasong-14. Most agree the flight path indicates the missile would be able to reach Alaska and possibly further in a conflict.
More specific details are largely dependent on images released by North Korea and guesswork. The tip of the missile, where the warhead, or re-entry vehicle, would be located, has drawn attention from experts because it appears to consist of a simple hollow fairing.”
-Alastair Gale, “North Korea’s Missile Can Take Off But Might Not Survive Re-Entry, Seoul Says,” The Wall Street Journal online, July 11, 2017 08:18am