North Korea announced Monday that leader Kim Jong Un personally observed test‑flights of hypersonic missiles and stressed the need to further strengthen the country’s nuclear war deterrent. The display comes as Pyongyang ramps up weapons demonstrations ahead of a major ruling party conference.
The announcement followed reports from neighboring countries that they had detected multiple ballistic missile launches, accusing North Korea of fresh provocations. The tests occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill was designed to test the readiness of a hypersonic weapon system, improve missile troops’ operational skills, and evaluate the country’s overall deterrence capabilities.
Kim reportedly said, “We must continuously upgrade the military means, especially offensive weapon systems.”
Why Hypersonic Missiles Matter
A fully functioning hypersonic missile would allow North Korea to potentially evade U.S. and South Korean missile defense systems. Although Pyongyang has conducted several tests in recent years, many foreign analysts remain skeptical about whether the missiles have achieved true hypersonic performance in speed and maneuverability.
A Flurry of Recent Weapons Activity
In recent weeks, North Korea has:
Test‑fired long‑range strategic cruise missiles
Launched new anti‑air missiles
Released images suggesting progress on its first nuclear‑powered submarine
Analysts believe Pyongyang is showcasing its military advancements ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Party congress the first in five years where Kim may outline a new stance on relations with the United States and the possibility of reviving stalled diplomatic talks.
Regional Diplomacy and Rising Tensions
North Korea’s nuclear program is expected to be a key topic when South Korea’s President Lee meets China’s Xi Jinping. Seoul has said it will urge Beijing Pyongyang’s main ally to play a “constructive role” in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The missile launches also came one day after the U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power. North Korea condemned the operation, calling it evidence of “the rogue and brutal nature of the US.”
Experts say the U.S. action may push Kim Jong Un to accelerate nuclear weapons development, which he views as essential for regime survival amid what he sees as U.S.-led threats.
Kim defended his nuclear expansion during the drill, saying recent global instability proves why such capabilities are necessary.
+ There are no comments
Add yours