North Korea says its leader Kim Jong-un has overseen new test-flights of hypersonic missiles, reinforcing his call to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent as Pyongyang stages a fresh round of weapons displays before a major political gathering.
State media reported the tests on Monday, a day after South Korea and its neighbours said they detected multiple ballistic missile launches and accused the North of escalating regional tensions.
Kim Jong-un Signals Push for Stronger Deterrence
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill involved a hypersonic weapon system and was designed to check combat readiness, sharpen missile units’ operational skills and assess the overall effectiveness of North Korea’s war deterrent.
KCNA quoted Kim as saying the test confirmed that “a very important technology task for national defence has been carried out,” adding that the country must continue upgrading its military capabilities, “especially offensive weapon systems.”
The launch reportedly took place just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping, adding to the political weight of the timing.
Why Hypersonic Weapons Matter
If North Korea succeeds in fielding a fully operational hypersonic weapon, it could significantly complicate missile defence efforts by the United States and South Korea. Such weapons are designed to travel at extreme speeds while remaining manoeuvrable, making them harder to detect and intercept.
Pyongyang has conducted multiple tests in recent years as part of its hypersonic programme. However, many foreign experts remain sceptical, questioning whether the missiles tested so far have consistently achieved the speed and agility required to qualify as true hypersonic weapons.
In recent weeks, North Korea has also test-fired what it described as long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air systems, and released images suggesting progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine.
Weapons Displays Before a Crucial Congress
Analysts say the latest round of tests is part of a broader effort to showcase advances in weapons development ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party congress, the first such meeting in five years.
Attention is focused on whether Kim might use the congress to outline a new strategy toward the United States, including the possibility of reviving long-stalled denuclearisation talks.
The missile launches also followed a dramatic US military operation over the weekend that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and brought him to the United States to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. North Korea condemned the operation, calling it further proof of what it described as the “rogue and brutal nature” of the US.
Many experts believe such events only reinforce Kim’s determination to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, which he views as essential to the survival of his government and national sovereignty.
During Sunday’s drill, Kim defended his nuclear push, saying its necessity was underscored by “the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events.”
