Test of a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile at an undisclosed location Photo: KCNA/Reuters
North Korea successfully tested a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) on Monday, state news agency KCNA reported. The country’s leader Kim Jong-un personally supervised the launch and announced the acceleration of the development of the country’s nuclear and missile capabilities, Reuters reports.
The missile was launched from the outskirts of Pyongyang and flew approximately 1,500 km at an altitude of up to 100 km, reaching a speed 12 times higher than the speed of sound. According to KCNA, the missile successfully hit a target in the East China Sea after manoeuvring. New technologies, such as the use of carbon materials in the engine, allow the missile to overcome dense air defence systems, Pyongyang said.
The test coincided with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s visit to South Korea, where they discussed strengthening cooperation with Japan amid the growing military threat from the DPRK. Blinken condemned the launch, calling it a provocation that undermines regional security.
South Korea and the United States are jointly analysing the missile’s flight. Seoul said that Pyongyang’s claims about the “second peak” of the flight, which would indicate the missile’s ability to manoeuvre, are questionable.
The development of hypersonic missiles is part of the DPRK’s strategy to strengthen its nuclear deterrent. Earlier, North Korea tested missiles with hypersonic cruise missiles capable of evading missile defence systems.
The international community has expressed concern over Pyongyang’s deepening cooperation with Moscow, particularly in the field of space and satellite technologies.
In his turn, Kim Jong-un called the new missile a “powerful weapon” in response to hostile actions, stressing that its development is a response to the changing geopolitical situation.
The missile test sent a signal not only to the region but also to the international community, particularly on the eve of Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency, who had previously held talks with Kim.
The world’s reaction demonstrates the escalation of security challenges that require coordinated efforts to maintain peace and stability.
