N. Korean ICBM Might Be Capable Of Reaching U.S. Mainland

North Korea's ICBM may have a range of more than 15,000km based on initial calculations, enough to reach U.S. mainland, Japan's Defence Minister Hamada tells reporters. It is estimated that the missile flew 1,000km during today's test, reaching the altitude of 6,000km.

• Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno said that Japan did not attempt to destroy the missile and is not aware of any damage resulting from its launch. He added that the projectile may have been launched on a "lofted trajectory," i.e. at a greater angle than normal.
• If the data given by Japanese officials are correct, the North Korean ICBM could reach almost every location in the world except parts of South America, based on readily available simulation tools (note that professional calculations would rely on more input data). Officials are yet to provide an update on details such as the exact missile model used.
• A successful ICBM test would revive speculation of an imminent nuclear drill. When suspicions that the nuclear test could take place before U.S. mid-terms failed to materialise, analysts noted that North Korea may seek to first prove its delivery capabilities before detonating the actual nuclear device.