North Korea has announced the first successful launch of its new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), revealing its second solid-propellant ICBM in as many years.

The new weapon appears to have a longer range than anything else in the DPRK’s arsenal, and its strategic significance largely overlaps with the Hwasong-18.

But its larger size means it should be able to deliver larger payloads at a similar range, potentially including multiple warheads.

Leader Kim Jong Un no doubt hopes that the Hwasong-19 will convey North Korea’s determination to continue developing nuclear weapons