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 took place just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping.
Kim Stresses 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 effectiveness of 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 the country must continue modernizing its military, particularly offensive weapons systems.
A functioning hypersonic missile would give North Korea the ability to bypass missile defence systems in the United States and South Korea. While Pyongyang has conducted multiple tests over the years, many foreign experts remain skeptical about whether the missiles have consistently achieved the required speed and manoeuvrability.
Expanding Missile Capabilities
In recent weeks, North Korea also test-fired long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air systems, while releasing images suggesting progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine. Analysts say these demonstrations are part of a broader effort to showcase military achievements ahead of the Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years.
Attention is focused on whether Kim will use the congress to signal changes in U.S. relations or revive stalled denuclearization talks.
Regional Tensions and Global Implications
The missile launches came shortly after a U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and brought him to the United States to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. North Korea condemned the operation, describing it as evidence of the “rogue and brutal nature of the U.S.”
Experts say events like this likely reinforce Kim’s push to expand his nuclear arsenal, which he views as essential to protecting his government and national sovereignty. During Sunday’s drill, Kim defended the nuclear program, saying its necessity is highlighted by “the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events.”
