SEOUL — North Korea has announced the successful test of a new weapons system that experts believe may involve a hypersonic missile.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally watched the test on Sunday, state media reported. His daughter also attended the test.
South Korea’s military said North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area on its east coast. The first missile flew about 450 kilometers, while the second traveled more than 600 kilometers toward the sea.
North Korea Does Not Name the Weapon
North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency did not identify the exact type of weapon.
Instead, it described the test as a successful demonstration of a new weapon using “ultra-modern defence technology.” Images released by KCNA showed Kim and his daughter monitoring launch data.
The images also appeared to identify the missile as the Hwasong-11Ma. Analysts cited by Reuters said the system may carry a hypersonic glide vehicle.
However, South Korean officials said they were still assessing North Korea’s claims. Experts have also questioned whether North Korea’s hypersonic systems consistently achieve the speeds and performance claimed by Pyongyang.
Kim Warns North Korea’s Rivals
Kim said the test demonstrated an important advance in North Korea’s military technology.
He also linked the development to the country’s war readiness and the future growth of its armed forces.
According to KCNA, Kim said the country’s enemies would understand the meaning of the technological progress without further explanation.
He added that the successful test would give North Korea’s opponents an “incurable headache” and deliver what he described as a severe and unavoidable blow.
Missile Tests Add to Regional Tensions
The latest launches come amid continuing tensions between North Korea, South Korea and the United States.
Pyongyang has recently criticized US-led military exercises in the region. North Korea has also reaffirmed its position that its nuclear weapons status is irreversible.
Meanwhile, South Korea, Japan and the United States have continued to coordinate their response to North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.
