North Korea fires hypersonic missiles; here’s what it means for the US and South Korea
Pyongyang: North Korea on Monday confirmed that leader Kim Jong Un oversaw test-flights of hypersonic missiles, highlighting the regime’s focus on strengthening its nuclear deterrent amid rising regional tensions. The drill, conducted on Sunday, aimed to test the readiness of missile troops, improve operational skills, and evaluate the capabilities of North Korea’s war deterrent, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The announcement came a day after neighbouring countries detected multiple ballistic missile launches and labelled the tests as provocative. The launches occurred hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet President Xi Jinping, where the North Korean nuclear program is expected to feature in discussions.
During the drill, Kim stated that the test represented the completion of “a very important technology task for national defense” and stressed the need to continuously enhance offensive weapon systems. Analysts note that possession of a functioning hypersonic weapon would allow North Korea to potentially penetrate U.S. and South Korean missile defence systems, though experts remain uncertain whether past tests achieved the required speed and manoeuvrability.
Recent weeks have seen North Korea carry out a series of weapons tests, including long-range strategic cruise missiles and anti-air missiles, alongside images suggesting progress on a nuclear-powered submarine. Observers believe these demonstrations aim to showcase military achievements ahead of the Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years, and may signal the country’s future approach to U.S. relations and potential diplomacy.
Kim linked the need for stronger nuclear capabilities to recent global events, including the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that removed President Nicolás Maduro. The North Korean leader described such developments as evidence of “the rogue and brutal nature of the U.S.” and argued that nuclear expansion is necessary to ensure state survival and sovereignty.
The missile tests are expected to influence discussions during the South Korea–China summit, where Lee has urged Beijing to take a constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
(With AP inputs)