North Korea successfully carried out its first-ever flight test of a solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the regime’s efforts to shield its missile forces against preemption.

According to DPRK state media, the country’s military successfully launched the new missile, dubbed the Hwasong-18, from an integrated transporter erector launcher that was first seen during the February military parade in Pyongyang.

With the inaugural flight test, the Hwasong-18 becomes the fourth distinct ICBM that North Korea has flight-tested, alongside the liquid-fueled Hwasong-14, Hwasong-15 and Hwasong-17. It also surpasses