Kim Jong Un Oversees Hypersonic Missile Tests Amid Geopolitical Crisis
Hypersonic Missile Tests in North Korea
The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, has supervised test flights of hypersonic missiles, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country's nuclear deterrent in light of "recent geopolitical crises" and "complicated international events," according to state media. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed the maneuvers on Monday, just a day after North Korea's neighbors reported multiple ballistic missile launches.
The tests were carried out shortly before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's departure to China for a summit with President Xi Jinping. KCNA stated that the Sunday exercise, which involved a hypersonic weapons system, aimed to assess its readiness, enhance the operational capabilities of missile troops, and evaluate the operational capabilities of the country’s military deterrent.
“Through today's exercise, we can confirm that a very important technological task for national defense has been accomplished,” Kim was quoted saying by KCNA. “We must continuously update military means, particularly offensive weapon systems.” The missiles struck targets located approximately 1,000 kilometers away over the sea to the east of North Korea, KCNA added.
Kim emphasized that “maintaining or expanding a strong and reliable nuclear deterrent is a very important strategy,” due to the “recent geopolitical crisis and various international circumstances.” The missile launch was preceded by a North Korean statement denouncing U.S. attacks on Venezuela and the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
In this context, Pyongyang labeled the action a “serious violation of sovereignty” and asserted that it once again demonstrates the “renegade and brutal nature” of the United States. North Korea's leadership has long justified its nuclear and missile programs as a deterrent against perceived attempts by Washington to change its regime. Hong Min, a North Korea expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification in South Korea, noted in a report that Pyongyang's recent test represents a clear response to U.S. actions against Venezuela.
State emails suggest that the missile might be the Hwasong-11, which was showcased at a parade in October. Moreover, Kim's government emphasizes its ability to launch such missiles at any moment, complicating U.S.-South Korea missile defense systems and preventing preemptive interception. Possessing a functional hypersonic weapon would enable North Korea to penetrate U.S. and South Korean missile defense shields.
In recent weeks, North Korea has tested what it termed long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-aircraft missiles. It has also released photographs showing visible progress in constructing its first nuclear-powered submarine. Observers believe North Korea aims to showcase or review its weapons development achievements ahead of the Workers' Party Congress, the first of its kind in five years. Expectations are high regarding how Kim will use the congress to establish a new approach to relations with the United States and revive stalled dialogues. Separately, North Korea's nuclear program is set to be discussed during the Lee-Xi summit scheduled for later today.
