BIGGEST ICBM YET: North Korea broke its self-imposed moratorium on long-range missile tests in spectacular fashion Thursday, successfully testing a monster intercontinental ballistic missile, believed to be the world’s largest mobile system capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads. It was the first test of a long-range ICBM since 2017, when North Korea paused tests while pursuing a deal with former President Donald Trump.
According to North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency, the new “super-large” Hwasong-17, first displayed at a military parade in 2017, was launched on what was basically a straight up and down trajectory, reaching a height of 6,248 kilometers (3,880 miles) before landing 1,090 kilometers (680 miles) in waters between North Korea and Japan.
Experts say, fired at a standard trajectory, the missile would be capable of traveling 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles), which puts the entire U.S. mainland, including the capital Washington, D.C., in range.
“The new strategic weapon of the DPRK will clearly show the might of our strategic force to the whole world once again,” said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who personally gave the launch order, according to KCNA. “The success in the development of the new-type intercontinental ballistic missile,” Kim said, “is a great demonstration of the might of our self-reliant defense industry which has increased and developed with our driving force.”
NORTH KOREA LAUNCHES LARGEST SUSPECTED BALLISTIC MISSILE SINCE 2017
URGENT CONSULTATIONS: The surprise test prompted an immediate denunciation from Washington and a flurry of urgent phone calls from U.S. officials to their South Korea and Japanese counterparts.
“This launch is a brazen violation of multiple U.N.Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki in a statement yesterday morning. “This action demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s first call was to South Korea Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong. “Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Chung discussed how the launch, which follows at least two ICBM tests earlier this year, demonstrates the threat the DPRK’s unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs pose to the DPRK’s neighbors and the broader international community,” said the State Department.
Blinken had a similar message for Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, telling both countries the U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan and South Korea remains” ironclad.”
The Pentagon released a joint statement from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook, in which they agreed that “firm responses, including further actions from the U.N. Security Council are necessary.”
US COMMANDER: ‘COMFORTABLE WITH WHERE WE ARE’: At yesterday’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, U.S. Northern Commander Gen. Glen VanHerck assured senators that U.S. missile defenses were up to the task of shooting down an incoming missile from North Korea, but he said as Kim Jong Un’s arsenal grows, it could overwhelm America’s limited missile defenses.
“I’m comfortable with where we are today, based on the intelligence I have, with the current capabilities and capacity of North Korea,” VanHerck told committee chairman Rhode Island Democrat Jack Reed. “Going forward, I do believe they could exceed my capacity and capabilities. That’s why it’s crucial to keep Next-Generation Interceptor on time or early.”
A year ago, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency awarded a $7.6 billion contract to Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin to build the enhanced missile interceptors.
ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH? North Korea had been easing back into its missile testing regime over the past month, testing shorter-range ballistic missiles on Feb. 26 and again on March 4.
“Kim Jong Un has decided to try to embarrass the Biden Administration while in Europe attending the NATO summit, a well-worn North Korean tactic of testing such weapons during such gatherings — proving Pyongyang and its missiles aren’t going away,” said Harry Kazianis, senior director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest.
“North Korea’s testing of an ICBM was an event that never had to happen,” Kazianis said in an email. “Had the Biden Administration decided to make the North Korea issue a priority — and not ignored the Kim regime’s build-up of nuclear weapons technology that can kill millions of people in minutes — at least some measure of progress could have been made.”
“Joe Biden seems to have borrowed the policies of the Obama Administration on North Korea: to demand Pyongyang come to the bargaining table and do nothing until that day comes,” he said. “All the while, the Kim regime keeps building more nuclear weapons and missiles to threaten the world and sell the technology used to create them to nations like Iran and others. Sadly, as history has shown, Biden’s policy will only guarantee Kim gets bigger and more advanced nuclear weapons.”
WHITE HOUSE CONDEMNS NORTH KOREA TEST OF NUCLEAR MISSILES CAPABLE OF STRIKING US AND JAPAN
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HAPPENING TODAY: President Joe Biden is scheduled to arrive in Rzeszow, Poland, at 9:15 a.m. Washington time, where he will be welcomed by Polish President Andrzej Duda and be given a briefing on the humanitarian response to the flood of refugees fleeing the fighting in Ukraine.
It’s estimated that of the 3 million Ukrainians who have fled their home for other countries, about 2 million have crossed the border into Poland, straining the resources of the NATO ally.
Biden will also meet with U.S. soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division who were dispatched to the Polish border regions to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank and provide assistance to Americans who left Ukraine before the invasion began last month.
U.S. WILL ACCEPT 100,000 UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
ZELENSKY: GIVE US PLANES, TANKS, MISSILES: As Ukrainian forces continue to retake some ground from Russian forces east of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, and inflict significant losses on some Russian units, President Volodymyr Zelensky issued another impassioned plea to NATO nations at yesterday’s leaders summit.
“To save people and our cities, Ukraine needs military assistance, without restrictions,” Zelensky said in an address delivered remotely from Kyiv. “Ukraine asked for your planes. So that we do not lose so many people. And you have thousands of fighter jets! But we haven’t been given any yet. We asked for tanks. So that we can unblock our cities that are now dying.”
“You can give us 1% of all your aircraft. One percent of all your tanks. One percent! We can’t just buy it. Such a supply directly depends only on NATO’s decisions, on political decisions,” Zelensky said, adding a mild rebuke of NATO’s previous position that Ukraine’s military was not ready to join the alliance.
“After such a war against Russia, never, please, never tell us again that our army does not meet NATO standards,” Zelensky said.
ZELENSKY TELLS NATO UKRAINE HAS PROVEN ITSELF WORTHY OF SUPPORT
UKRAINE CONTINUES TO PUSH RUSSIAN FORCES AWAY FROM KYIV: “Ukrainian counterattacks, and Russian Forces falling back on overextended supply lines, has allowed Ukraine to re-occupy towns and defensive positions up to 35 kilometers (21 miles) east of Kyiv,” according to the daily intelligence update from the British Defense Ministry. “Ukrainian Forces are likely to continue to attempt to push Russian Forces back along the north-western axis from Kyiv towards Hostomel Airfield.”
“In the south of Ukraine Russian Forces are still attempting to circumvent Mykolaiv as they look to drive west towards Odesa with their progress being slowed by logistic issues and Ukrainian resistance,” the assessment says.
MORE SANCTIONS AND A WARNING AGAINST CHEMICAL WEAPONS: Following yesterday’s NATO summit, the U.S. and its European allies announced new sanctions targeting additional Russian elites along with the country’s defense industry.
In a news conference after the meeting, Biden said he favored booting Russia from the G-20 group of nations and issued a veiled warning against the use of chemical weapons by Russian forces in Ukraine.
“We would respond if he uses it, but the nature of the response would depend on the nature of the use,” Biden said.
NATO announced it would field four new battle groups in Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, and said it is enhancing its preparedness for chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.
“Our top military commander, General Wolters, has activated NATO’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense elements, and allies are deploying additional chemical and biological and nuclear defenses to reinforce our existing and new battlegroups,” said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. “So we are taking measures both to support Ukraine and also to defend ourselves.”
BIDEN WARNS PUTIN AGAINST DIRTY WAR TACTICS
CONGRATS TO THE 2766: The Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday voted by voice to favorably report out a list of 2,766 pending military nominations in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. The nominations were immediately reported to the floor following the committee’s action.
INDUSTRY WATCH: The State Department has approved the sale of $175.98 million worth of upgrades to Bahrain’s nine M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems.
The principal contractor will be the Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, Maryland.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The Rundown
Washington Examiner: Biden: Response to Russian chemical weapons in Ukraine depends on ‘nature of the use’
Washington Examiner: Russia should be kicked out of G-20, Biden says in Brussels
Washington Examiner: Biden and G-7 exploring ways to avert global food shortages sparked by Russia
Washington Examiner: SEE IT: Anonymous claims credit for hacks of companies and Russian central bank
Washington Examiner: NATO boosts ‘chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear’ threat readiness
Washington Examiner: SOUTHCOM commander warns about Russian and Chinese influence in Latin America
Washington Examiner: Why Israel cares more about Russian cooperation than supporting Ukraine
Washington Examiner: NATO extends Stoltenberg term another year
Washington Examiner: Top Russian military leaders rejecting outreach from US counterparts
Washington Examiner: North Korea launches largest suspected ballistic missile since 2017
Washington Examiner: White House condemns North Korea test of nuclear missiles capable of striking US and Japan
Washington Examiner: Allies see risk that Putin thinks he can win a nuclear war against NATO
Washington Examiner: Biden warns Putin against dirty war tactics
Washington Examiner: Zelensky tells NATO Ukraine has proven itself worthy of support
Washington Examiner: U.S. will accept 100,000 Ukrainian refugees
Washington Examiner: Koch Industries defends decision to keep Russian business running in internal memo
Washington Examiner: Russian defense minister resurfaces in ‘strange’ video after 13-day absence
Washington Examiner: Russian missiles suffering 60% failure rate in Ukraine: Report
AP: Putin’s war in Ukraine nearing possibly more dangerous phase
AP: Officials: 300 dead in airstrike on theater in Mariupol
New York Times: U.S. Accuses Russians Of Hacking Infrastructure, Including Nuclear Plant
19fortyfive.com: Russia Has a Giant Battlecruiser That Could Attack Ukraine
Air Force Magazine: ‘Boxed Into a Corner,’ Russia Could Be a Counterspace Wild Card
Air Force Magazine: Hackers Attacked Satellite Terminals Through Management Network, Viasat Officials Say
USNI News: A Generational Change in Naval Aviation Has Begun Amidst Tight Budgets, Fighter Gaps
Inside Defense: NGAD Program To Maintain Navy Air Superiority
Marine Corps Times: Back To Ship: Marines Need Ships To Fight. Will They Get Them?
Air Force Magazine: Gen. Charles G. Boyd, Former POW, Dies at 83
Washington Examiner: Opinion: Prepare for covert war in Ukraine
Defense One: Opinion: Deter Russia’s Use of Chemical Weapons in Ukraine
19fortyfive.com: Opinion: Battle of Bulge: A Lesson for Ukraine’s War Against Russia?
19fortyfive.com: Putin Has a Problem: Russia’s Invasion in Ukraine Is Completely Stuck
Calendar
FRIDAY | MARCH 25
11 a.m. — U.S. Energy Association virtual discussion: “The Ukrainian War Comes Home – Energy and Minerals in Crisis,” with Nick Akins, chairman, president & CEO of American Electric Power; Lori Esposito Murray, president of the Conference Board’s Committee for Economic Development; Peter Londa, president & CEO of Tantalus Systems; Linda Gasparello of PBS; Markham Hislop of Energi Media; Jennifer Hiller of The Wall Street Journal; Kostis Gerapoulos of New European; USEA Acting Executive Director Sheila Hollis; and Llewellyn King, creator, executive producer & host of White House Chronicle https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register
1 p.m. — Center for Strategic and International Studies Book Launch: The Fifth Horseman and the New MAD, with author Harlan Ullman, chairman, The Killowen Group and senior adviser, The Atlantic Council; and Seth Jones, CSIS senior vice president and director of the International Security Program https://www.csis.org/events/book-launch-fifth-horseman-and-new-mad
TUESDAY | MARCH 29
9:30 a.m. G-50 Dirksen — Senate Armed Services Committee hearing: “The posture of U.S. European Command and U.S. Transportation Command,” with Gen. Tod Wolters, commander, U.S. European Command and supreme allied commander Europe; and Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commander, U.S. Transportation Command https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings
10 a.m. 210 Cannon — House Budget Committee hearing: “President Biden’s FY2023 Budget,” with testimony Shalanda Young, acting director Office of Management and Budget https://www.youtube.com/watch
3:30 p.m. 418 Russell — Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing: “Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021.” http://veterans.senate.gov
WEDNESDAY | MARCH 30
10 a.m. 2118 Rayburn — House Armed Services Committee hearing: “National Security Challenges in Europe,” with testimony from Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters, commander, U.S. European Command and supreme allied commander Europe. https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings
10:30 a.m. — House Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing: “Military Privatized Family Housing Oversight.” http://appropriations.house.gov
11 a.m. 608 Dirksen — Senate Budget Committee hearing: “The President’s FY2023 Budget Proposal,” with testimony Shalanda Young, acting director Office of Management and Budget http://budget.senate.gov
12 p.m. — Association of the U.S. Army book webinar: Three Dangerous Men: Russia, China, Iran, and the Rise of Irregular Warfare, with book author Seth Jones https://info.ausa.org/e/784783/oon-Report
1 p.m. — Air Force Association virtual conversation: “Air and Space Warfighters in Action” with Lt. Gen. David Nahom, Air Force deputy chief of staff for plans and programs; Lt. Gen. William Liquori, deputy chief of space operations, strategy, plans, programs, requirements, and analysis; and retired Lt. Gen. Bruce “Orville” Wright, AFA president https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register
2 p.m. 2118 Rayburn — House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel hearing: “Patient Safety and Quality of Care in the Military Health System,” with testimony from: Dez Del Barba, U.S. Army Veteran; Derrick Luckey, father of Seaman Danyelle Luckey; Sharon Silas, director, GAO Health Care Team; Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, director, Defense Health Agency; Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, Army surgeon general; Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, Navy surgeon general; and Lt. Gen. Robert I. Miller, Air Force surgeon general https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings
THURSDAY | MARCH 31
10 a.m. 2118 Rayburn — House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces hearing: “Updates on Modernization of Conventional Ammunition Production,” with testimony from Douglas Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology; Army Gen. Edward Daly, commanding general, Army Materiel Command; Army Brig. Gen. William Boruff, program executive officer, Joint Program Executive Office, Armaments and Ammunition; Army Brig. Gen. Gavin Gardner, commanding general, Joint Munitions Command; Jason Gaines, senior vice president and general manager, munition systems, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems; retired Army Brig. Gen. John McGuiness, president, American Ordnance, LLC; Brian Gathright, vice president and general manager, BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc; and Brett Flaugher, president, Olin-Winchester https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings
2 p.m. 2118 Rayburn — House Armed Services Subcommittees on Seapower and Projection Forces and Readiness Joint hearing: “Posture and Readiness of the Mobility Enterprise,” with testimony from Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and Lucinda Lessley, acting administrator, Maritime Administration https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings
10 a.m. — House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing on “Helping Veterans Thrive: The Importance of Peer Support in Preventing Domestic Violent Extremism.” https://www.youtube.com/channel
FRIDAY | APRIL 1
10 a.m. 2118 Rayburn — House Armed Services Subcommittees on Intelligence and Special Operations hearing: “FY23 hearing to Review Department of Defense Strategy, Policy, and Programs for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction,” with testimony from John Plumb, assistant secretary for space policy; Deborah Rosenblum, assistant secretary of defense for nuclear, chemical, and biological defense programs; Vice Adm. Collin Patrick Green, deputy commander, U.S. Special Operations Command; Rhys Williams, acting director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency and undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The only thing I demand from you after such a month of war. This is a request for the sake of our military. After such a war against Russia, never, please, never tell us again that our army does not meet NATO standards.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an address to NATO leaders Thursday.
