North Korea has announced the successful testing of advanced hypersonic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, in a move seen as a reinforcement of its military capabilities amid escalating tensions. Supreme leader Kim Jong-un asserts that the country is developing a nuclear deterrent while enhancing its arsenal to overcome South Korean defenses.
Reports from North Korean state media revealed the launch of multiple missiles from an area south of Pyongyang, with the projectiles traveling approximately 217 miles northeast before landing. These tests coincide with the gathering of world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in South Korea for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings.
The U.S. Forces Korea confirmed awareness of North Korea’s ballistic missile launches and its pursuit of long-range missile capabilities, emphasizing the need for compliance with UN Security Council sanctions to avoid destabilizing actions. The alliance between the U.S. and South Korea remains steadfast, according to the statement issued by the U.S. Forces Korea.
The Korean Central News Agency disclosed that the recent missile launches involved two hypersonic projectiles that accurately hit a target in the country’s northern region, emphasizing the strategic nature of the system and its potential nuclear payload. While the specific identity of the tested missile system was not disclosed, Kim previously showcased new military assets, including a short-range ballistic system featuring hypersonic glide vehicles.
North Korea has been actively testing various missile systems incorporating hypersonic technology, which enables speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, enhancing their evasiveness against regional missile defense systems. Despite North Korea’s claims, experts have raised doubts about the consistent speed performance of these hypersonic weapons during tests.
Following the recent tests, Pak Jong Chon, a senior military official under Kim’s command, praised the performance of the new weapon system and affirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and nuclear deterrent. Additionally, during a recent military parade, Kim unveiled an intercontinental ballistic missile described as the nation’s most potent nuclear asset, expanding its arsenal with potential reach towards the U.S. mainland.
Observers suggest that North Korea might be gearing up to conduct further missile tests in the lead-up to a significant ruling party conference in early 2026, where Kim is expected to outline key policy directions, possibly including the nation’s stance towards the United States. Kim’s accelerated weapons testing activities follow the breakdown of nuclear diplomacy with Trump in 2019 due to disputes over economic sanctions imposed by the U.S.
These recent ballistic missile launches mark North Korea’s first under the leadership of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who has expressed intentions to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. Nonetheless, Kim has rebuffed offers for dialogue from President Lee and insisted on the cessation of U.S. denuclearization efforts as a precondition for resuming diplomatic engagement.
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