North Korea prepares for ICBM launch amid global tensions, eyeing US election

South Korean lawmakers have raised alarms about North Korea’s potential plans to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as early as November, following the deployment of a mobile launcher at a suspected test site. This development has sparked concerns about a strategic test coinciding with the U.S. presidential election on November 5.

During a parliamentary briefing on Wednesday, MP Lee Seong-kweun revealed, “Preparations of a transporter-erector launcher (TEL) are complete and it’s deployed at a specific location, and an ICBM launch for technological verification of warhead re-entry could take place, with a timing targeting the U.S. presidential election, either before or after, in November.” The comments followed a closed-door session with officials from South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Although the mobile launcher is operational, MP Park Sun-won clarified that the DIA does not believe a missile has been loaded onto it yet. South Korean defense officials speculate that North Korea may seize the heightened global attention around the elections to conduct a significant missile test or potentially its seventh nuclear test, further asserting its advancing military capabilities.

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Historically, North Korea has executed ICBM tests at steep trajectories to mitigate the risk of long-range launches. However, for effective ICBM development, a flatter trajectory is necessary to ensure that warheads can re-enter the atmosphere accurately and controlably.

This mounting tension comes amid reports of North Korean troops possibly joining Russian forces in the ongoing war against Ukraine. U.S. President Joe Biden has urged Ukraine to retaliate against any North Korean military presence, stating they would be “fair game” for Ukrainian attacks should they cross into Ukrainian territory.

In response to the evolving situation, NATO confirmed that Kyiv has requested enhanced military support, fearing an increased threat from North Korea’s involvement. The Pentagon has noted that North Korean soldiers are already positioned in Russia’s Kursk region, close to the Ukrainian border, with thousands more reportedly on their way.

As South Korea remains technically at war with the North, officials have voiced concerns about potential military exchanges between Russia and Pyongyang. Meanwhile, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui was reported to be en route to Moscow, further intensifying regional anxieties.