North Korea has carried out test-flights of hypersonic missiles, with leader Kim Jong-un personally observing the launches and emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent. The tests come as Pyongyang steps up weapons demonstrations ahead of its major political gathering, the Workers’ Party congress.
The announcement came a day after neighboring countries reported multiple ballistic missile launches from the North, which they described as provocative. The launches occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping.
Kim Highlights Military Readiness
State media, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), said Sunday’s drill tested a hypersonic weapon system to evaluate combat readiness, improve missile troops’ operational skills, and assess North Korea’s overall war deterrent.
“Through today’s launching drill, we can confirm that a very important technology task for national defence has been carried out,” Kim said, according to KCNA. He stressed the need to continuously strengthen military capabilities, particularly offensive weapons.
A fully operational hypersonic missile could allow North Korea to penetrate missile defense systems in the United States and South Korea. While the country has conducted multiple tests in recent years, foreign experts remain skeptical about whether the missiles have consistently achieved the speed and maneuverability required.
Recent Missile Activity Reflects Broader Ambitions
In recent weeks, North Korea has also test-fired what it described as long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air systems, and released images showing progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine.
Analysts say these displays are intended to showcase North Korea’s weapons development achievements ahead of the five-yearly Workers’ Party congress. Attention is focused on whether Kim might use the meeting to signal a new approach to the United States or revive long-stalled denuclearization talks.
Regional Tensions and Global Reactions
The missile launches followed a high-profile U.S. operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and brought him to the United States to face narco-terrorism charges. North Korea condemned the operation, calling it proof of the “rogue and brutal nature of the U.S.”
Many experts suggest that such actions reinforce Kim’s determination to expand his nuclear arsenal, which he sees as essential to protecting his government and national sovereignty. During Sunday’s drill, Kim defended his nuclear program, saying recent geopolitical crises and complex international events highlight the need for a stronger deterrent.
