North Korea close to fielding ICBM able to reach U.S.

North Korea is in the final stages of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of striking the United States, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said.

He noted Pyongyang still needs to master re-entry technology. “They continue to develop ICBMs capable of reaching U.S. territory, carrying a nuclear bomb and bombing the United States. It seems they have not yet succeeded, but they are in the final stage, with only the so-called re-entry technology left to resolve — and this too is likely to be solved soon,” Lee said.

Last year, Pyongyang tested its largest ICBM, the Hwasong-19, which experts say could strike anywhere in the U.S., though doubts remain over North Korea’s ability to protect the warhead during re-entry.

North Korea recently also tested Kumsong-series tactical attack drones, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un.