North Korea Makes ‘Quantum Leap’ in Missile Accuracy

General Burwell Bell, the commander of the U.S. military in South Korea, said, “[North Korea’s] missile tests on March 8 involved short-range solid-fuel missiles, and were a quantum leap forward with higher accuracy and mobility.”

Bell testified before the House of Representatives Budget Committee on March 9 and stated that “while North Korea used liquid-fueled missiles in the past, it is now testing solid-fueled missiles.”

He added that “Though there is little evidence that North Korea has pushed for the development of long-range missiles since the late 1990’s, short-range missile developments are more prevalent.” He made a similar assessment at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee on March 7.

Also testifying at the committee, Admiral William Fallon, the chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, said, “This missile test is proof that North Korea is continuing its missile developments.”

After the hearing, Fallon said, “We have not received detailed reports yet, but [the number of missiles fired by North Korea] may have been as many as three.”

Seung-Ryun Kim srkim@donga.com