What is an ICBM? How ‘lethal’ North Korea nuclear missile could unleash hell in WW3 – Daily Star

NORTH Korea has revealed it fired an an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) today but what is it and how far can it reach?

North Korea declared itself a "nuclear power" after launching an ICBM into the Sea of Japan in yet another missile test that angered the international community today.

An ICBM is a long-range guided ballistic missile with a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres.

In theory, it is thought US and North Korea which are around 8,000km apart could strike each other with an ICBM.

The primary purpose of the missile is to delivery several warheads containing nuclear weapons on multiple long range targets.

ICBM were first deployed by the Soviet Union in 1958, following by the US in 1959 and China some 20 years later.

WIKIPEDIA

The world watches as Kim Jong-un celebrates his latest step in the North Korean nuclear programme as he successfully fires a missile 500km towards the Sea of Japan

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Kim Jong-un is pleased with the missile test

UN

Peak speed for an ICMB is around 14,500mph or 6-7km/s with a 10 minute acceleration period.

At that speed an ICBM fired from Moscow could reach New York in around 20 to 30 minutes.

ICBMs can be deployed from multiple platforms, including missile silos, submarines, heavy trucks and mobile launchers on rails.

Russia's RS-24 Yars Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) can strike anywhere in the US with ten nuclear warheads, according to reports.

US nukes are like Ferraris: beautiful, intricate, and designed for high performance.

China has developed a similar platform, and the US has no way to defend against such devastating nukes.

In comparison, the US's Minuteman III ICBM carries just one warhead, and was introduced in the 1970s.

Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, publisher of Arms Control Wonk, said the US possess the most accurate nukes in the world.

He said: US nukes are like Ferraris: beautiful, intricate, and designed for high performance.

Experts have said the plutonium pits will last for 100s of years."

WIKIPEDIA

The US have contraversially began installing the THAAD anti-ballistic missile system on South Korea in a bid to nip Kim Jong-un's budding nuclear capability in the bud. The move has seen tensions between the US and North Korea soar to new heights

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A truck is seen carrying parts required to set up the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system that had arrived at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea

Pyongyanglaunched the Hwasong-14 missile from the North Phyongan province, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The ICBM is the first of its kind to be launched by the communist state.

It can carry nuclear weapons and it is believed it could reach US mainland.

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What is an ICBM? How 'lethal' North Korea nuclear missile could unleash hell in WW3 - Daily Star