North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missiles in Show of Nuclear Strength

Pyongyang says global instability has increased the need for advanced weapons—as its regime cites recent U.S. military actions as the reason for boosting its own security.

(stephan).

Pyongyang says global instability has increased the need for advanced weapons—as its regime cites recent U.S. military actions as the reason for boosting its own security.

North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the firing of hypersonic missiles on Monday, January 5th.

The test was presented as necessary to prepare the country’s nuclear forces for war. South Korea and Japan both detected the launch of two ballistic missiles from near Pyongyang on Sunday, January 4th, marking North Korea’s first weapons test of the year. According to state news agency KCNA, Kim said the test showed the readiness of North Korea’s nuclear deterrent.

KCNA linked the launch to growing global tensions, in an apparent reference to the United States’ recent action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. North Korea has long warned against what it calls U.S. attempts at regime change.

Analysts say the test was meant to show that Pyongyang has a strong war deterrent. Hypersonic missiles travel at extremely high speeds and can change direction in flight, making them difficult to intercept.

The launch came just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left for Beijing, where he hopes China can help improve relations with North Korea.