North Korea has announced that leader Kim Jong-un personally oversaw test-flights of hypersonic missiles, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent. The tests come as Pyongyang intensifies weapons demonstrations ahead of its major political gathering, the Workers’ Party congress.
The announcement followed reports from neighbouring countries that multiple ballistic missile launches were detected, which they described as provocations. 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 and Technological Advances
State media, via the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), said Sunday’s drill tested a hypersonic weapon system to assess combat readiness, improve missile troops’ operational skills, and evaluate North Korea’s broader 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 added that North Korea must continue to strengthen its military, particularly offensive weapons systems.
A functioning hypersonic missile would give Pyongyang the ability to penetrate missile defence systems in both the United States and South Korea. While North Korea has conducted multiple tests in previous years, many foreign experts remain skeptical about whether the missiles have consistently achieved the desired speed and manoeuvrability.
Recent Missile Activity Signals Broader Military Ambitions
In addition to hypersonic tests, North Korea recently fired what it described as long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air systems. State media also released images suggesting progress on the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine.
Observers say these demonstrations are intended to highlight North Korea’s weapons development achievements ahead of the five-yearly Workers’ Party congress. Analysts are closely watching whether Kim will use the congress to signal changes in U.S. relations or revive long-stalled denuclearization talks.
Regional Tensions and Global Reactions
The missile launches followed a high-profile U.S. military operation that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and brought him to the United States on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. North Korea condemned the move, calling it evidence of the “rogue and brutal nature of the U.S.”
Experts suggest that recent U.S. operations may reinforce Kim’s determination to expand his nuclear arsenal, which he views as essential to safeguarding his government and national sovereignty. During Sunday’s drill, Kim defended his nuclear program, stating that its necessity is highlighted by “the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events.”
