North Korea has announced the successful test launch of new hypersonic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, as the country reinforces its military capabilities amid heightened tensions.
Leader Kim Jong-un stated that North Korea is establishing a nuclear deterrent while enhancing its arsenal to overpower South Korean defenses. The report on the new hypersonic system from North Korean state media follows South Korea’s detection of multiple missiles launched from an area south of Pyongyang, flying approximately 217 miles northeast before landing on the ground.
This testing coincides with global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, gathering in South Korea for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings.
The US Forces Korea acknowledged North Korea’s ballistic launches and its pursuit of long-range missile capabilities, urging North Korea to refrain from actions violating UN Security Council sanctions. The US reaffirmed its unwavering alliance with Seoul.
The Korean Central News Agency revealed that the hypersonic projectiles accurately hit a target in North Korea’s northern region, describing the system as strategic, hinting at its potential use with nuclear warheads.
Although the specific missile system tested was not disclosed, Kim previously showcased new weapons, including a short-range ballistic system with hypersonic glide vehicles, at a recent military parade.
North Korea has been conducting tests on various missile systems equipped with hypersonic weapons, which can travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound. While these weapons are designed to evade regional missile defense systems due to their speed and maneuverability, experts have raised doubts about the North’s claimed speeds during tests.
Pak Jong Chon, a key military official under Kim’s command, praised the performance of the “cutting-edge weapon system” and emphasized North Korea’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and war deterrent.
During the recent parade, Kim also revealed a new intercontinental ballistic missile, touted as the country’s most potent nuclear asset, expanding North Korea’s arsenal with potential reach to the US mainland.
Analysts speculate that North Korea may conduct missile tests in the upcoming weeks, possibly before a significant ruling party conference in early 2026 where Kim is expected to announce key policy directions, including his stance towards the United States. Kim has intensified weapons testing activities since his diplomatic efforts with Trump collapsed in 2019 due to disputes over economic sanctions.
These missile launches mark North Korea’s first ballistic tests since liberal South Korean President Lee Jae Myung assumed office in June, aiming to restore peace on the Korean Peninsula. Despite Lee’s invitation for talks, Kim has rejected diplomacy with the US unless Washington abandons its denuclearization objectives.
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