North Korea launches first ICBM since 2017
Pyongyang successfully fired its first intercontinental ballistic missile on 24 March, more than four years since the last time did so. (KCNA)
North Korea has engaged in a flurry of ICBM testing, with both successes and a failure.
North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Pyongyang International Airport on 24 March, the country’s fourth such test and the first since 28 November 2017.
The liquid-propelled missile was launched from a giant 11-axle road-mobile launcher, flying for 71 minutes. It achieved an altitude of 6,248.5km and a range of 1,090km before plopping down inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Its splashdown point was 150km west of the Oshima Peninsula in the southern part of Hokkaido.
This flight path was a lofted trajectory, allowing North Korea to observe the missile’s full flight and avoid flying over Japan. Such a
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
-
![Global tensions drive defence supply chain scrutiny]()
Global tensions drive defence supply chain scrutiny
Governments worldwide are scrambling to decouple defence supply chains from dependency upon strategic rivals, but countries could struggle to do it all themselves.
-
![How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces]()
How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces
Saab has outlined how it is using artificial intelligence to make training more like electronic gaming, while the UK’s Power Size Technologies is applying the same technology to better evaluate and design vehicle capability, moving AI-enabled innovation further upstream from the frontline.
-
![From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)]()
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
