Dear Members and Friends,

On Monday, North Korea stacked, racked and launched three ballistic missiles in a row in complete defiance of the G20 Summit, the international community, Japan, Korea and the President of the United States of America. The defiant act occurred in direct concurrence with the G20 Summit in China.

While still under expert speculation, the three missiles tested by North Korea are believed to be short- to mid-range NoDong variants. The NoDong uses an elongated Scud rocket tube for enhanced range, yet, in contrast to previous NoDong tests, the variants used on Monday were equipped with Scud-type warheads that are capable of carrying larger nuclear payloads than the traditional NoDong warhead. Additionally, the larger Scud warhead is capable of higher velocities during reentry because of its conical shape. This increased reentry velocity makes the Scud warhead more difficult to track and intercept for missile defense systems. The NoDong’s range is speculated to be between 1,000 and 1,500 km, allowing the missile to reach targets in all of Japan and South Korea.

This test marks North Korea’s 31st missile launch this year and demonstrates the country’s quest to defy international order despite sanctions, United Nations resolutions and diplomatic pressure from the United States, its allies, and the international community.

North Korea is forcing the United States, Japan and South Korea to expedite deployment of THAAD, Aegis Ashore, and Aegis BMD Ships in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, North Korea’s belligerent actions also drive U.S. modernization of its GBI capability, to include operationalizing Aegis Ashore in Hawaii to provide better homeland defense for all 50 states.

Click here to watch the most recent North Korean missile test.