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N. Korea Builds Leverage, Demonstrates Threat, With Likely Submarine Launch

William Gallo

   SEOUL - North Korea has tested what appears to be a ballistic missile
   designed to be launched from a submarine -- an important advancement in
   Pyongyang's weapons program and a major provocation just days ahead of
   working-level nuclear talks with the United States.

   South Korea's military says it is "highly likely" North Korea tested a
   Bukkeukseong-type submarine-launched ballistic missile, or SLBM, early
   Wednesday from the sea near the coastal city of Wonsan in Gangwon
   province. Seoul says the missile flew about 450 kilometers but reached
   an altitude of about 910 kilometers, meaning it was launched at a
   lofted trajectory that would make its maximum distance much longer.

   If flown on a standard trajectory with the same payload, the missile
   would have a maximum range of about 1,900 kilometers, according to an
   estimate by David Wright, a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned
   Scientists.
   "This would classify the missile as a medium range (1,000 to 3,500
   km)," Wright said.

   It is not yet clear whether the North launched the SLBM from a
   submarine or an underwater platform.

   If confirmed, it could be the first time since 2017 that North Korea
   has tested a missile that is capable of flying distances that exceed
   what is considered to be "short range." Its exact maximum range is not
   yet known.

   The provocation comes at a particularly fragile moment. Late Tuesday,
   North Korea's vice foreign minister said Pyongyang and Washington have
   agreed to hold long-delayed, working-level talks on October 5. The two
   sides will have "preliminary contact" the day before, she said.

   It's not clear how the latest launch will impact the talks. North Korea
   has conducted 11 rounds of ballistic missile launches since May. U.S.
   President Donald Trump has said he has "no problem" with Pyongyang's
   previous launches, since they were short-range.

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