Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump

North Korea is increasing its missile power so rapidly that its threat is no longer limited to just South Korea and Japan. Rather it has reached America.

A new map by The Newsweek has clearly shown that Kim Jong Un’s missiles with increasing range can directly target American bases in the Pacific. Some missiles can even reach 48 states.

Why is this a matter of concern?

Kim Jong-un is continuously making new ballistic missiles, ignoring UN sanctions. These missiles are new, are detected in a short time and can hit very long distances. And this is why the concerns of South Korea, Japan and America have increased. On the other hand, North Korea says that it needs these weapons for defense because America, South Korea and Japan together keep conducting military exercises against it.

How far can missiles go?

1. Hwasong-9 (Scud-ER): Talking about North Korea’s missile capability, first of all Hwasong-9, also known as Scud-ER, is a big headache for Asia. Its range is about 620 miles, due to which it can easily target the entire South Korea and the south-western part of Japan. This missile is so dangerous because it can carry high-explosive, chemical or mini-nuclear warheads and operates on mobile launchers. Meaning it is very difficult to find it and stop it on the way.

2. Hwasong-10 (BM-25 Musudan): After this comes Hwasong-10, also known as BM-25 Musudan. Its range goes up to about 2,490 miles, due to which it can directly target important military bases like Guam of America. The ability to carry a heavy warhead of about 2,600 pounds makes it even more lethal. This is the reason why this missile directly extends North Korea’s regional power to the American-influenced Pacific.

3. Hwasong-14 (KN-20): The missile of most serious concern is the Hwasong-14, or KN-20, North Korea’s first ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile). This missile can fly up to 6,460 miles depending on the payload, which means that Hawaii, Alaska and large parts of the US mainland come directly within its range. This is the same capability that transforms North Korea from a regional threat into a potential global nuclear challenge.

What could happen next?

According to the US Defense Intelligence Agency, North Korea currently has less than 10 missiles that can reach America. But by 2035 this number may reach 50. This means that in the coming years, Kim Jong-un’s missile capability could become a direct and increasing threat to America.