North Korea has conducted new test-flights of hypersonic missiles under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, highlighting the country’s focus on strengthening its nuclear deterrent. The tests come as Pyongyang ramps up weapons displays ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years.
The announcement followed reports from neighbouring countries that multiple ballistic missile launches were detected, which they described as provocations. The launches came just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet President Xi Jinping.
Kim Emphasizes Military Readiness
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill tested a hypersonic weapon system to assess combat readiness, improve missile troops’ operational skills, and evaluate the overall effectiveness of North Korea’s 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. He stressed the need to continue upgrading the country’s military, particularly offensive weapons systems.
A fully operational hypersonic missile would give North Korea the ability to bypass missile defence systems in the United States and South Korea. While Pyongyang has conducted several tests in recent years, many foreign experts remain skeptical about whether the missiles consistently achieve the required speed and manoeuvrability.
Ongoing Weapons Development
In recent weeks, North Korea has also test-fired long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air systems, and released images showing progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine. Analysts say these demonstrations aim to showcase the country’s advances in weapons development ahead of the party congress.
Observers are closely watching whether Kim will use the gathering to outline a new approach toward the United States or signal a willingness to revive long-stalled denuclearization talks.
Rising Tensions and Global Reactions
The missile tests followed a 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 further proof of what it described as the “rogue and brutal nature of the U.S.”
Many experts suggest that recent U.S. actions reinforce Kim’s belief that expanding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal is essential to protecting his government and national sovereignty. During Sunday’s drill, Kim defended the country’s nuclear program, citing “recent geopolitical crises and complicated international events” as evidence of its necessity.
