North Korea missile launch, which sparked fear in Hokkaido, Japan, signals more weapons tests

North Korea's latest missile launch, which it identified as a new type of solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, is raising concern over the nation's growing nuclear weapons program.

Thursday's launch, the 27th so far this year, tested North Korea's "most powerful" missile to date, state media said.

The missile test touched off a wave of fear and confusion across Japan on Thursday after Toyko issued – and later retracted – an emergency evacuation order for millions on Hokkaido, warning the missile could fall on or near the island.

The alert highlighted problems with Japan's J-Alert system, and renewed attention on North Korea, which has significantly increased its missile tests over the past year.

What missiles has North Korea launched?

Solid-fuel missiles have some advantages over liquid-fuel rockets. They can be fired with less preparation, making them harder to detect and intercept. Solid-fuel propellants can be safer to work with than liquid fuels.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to build high-tech weapons to counter joint military exercises by the U.S. and South Korea. The two nations have increased military drills, which North Korea condemns as practice for invasion. 

North Korea is suspected of using the exercises as an excuse to test its weapons, the AP has reported.

The most recent exercise was the 11-day Freedom Shield, which included personnel from the U.S., South Korea and United Nations. It was the largest such exercise in five years, and North Korea fired 10 missiles during the operation.

What types of missiles are being tested by North Korea?

• Cruise missile: A self-guided vehicle propelled by jet engines, like an airplane.
• Ballistic missile: A missile launched into high trajectory by a rocket engine. Once the rocket's fuel is burned, the missile either falls to Earth on a predetermined path or an onboard guidance system makes adjustments to its target.
• Hypersonic missile: Ballistic missiles that can travel at five times the speed of sound or faster. Guidance systems vary.
• SRBM: Short-range ballistic missile; range 620 miles.
• MRBM: Midrange ballistic missile; range 620 to 2,734 miles.
• IRBM: Intermediate-range ballistic missile; range 1,865-3,420 miles.
• ICBM: Intercontinental ballistic missile; range more than 3,500 miles.
• SLBM: Submarine-launched ballistic missile; range 4,600 miles.

Kim Jong Un ramps up missile tests

North Korea is increasing the number of tests along with types of missiles being tested. It's developing ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles as it seeks a greater military presence in the Pacific.

Though the U.S. and the U.N. Security Council have sanctioned North Korea for its missile tests, the measures have slowed, but not stopped, missile development.

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ILLUSTRATION Janet Loehrke, Paste BN

SOURCE Paste BN Network reporting and research; Associated Press; Center for Strategic and International Studies; Nuclear Threat Initiative