North Korea says leader Kim Jong-un has personally overseen new test-flights of hypersonic missiles, stressing the need to further strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent as Pyongyang steps up weapons demonstrations ahead of a major political meeting.
State media reported the tests on Monday, a day after South Korea and neighbouring countries said they detected multiple ballistic missile launches and accused the North of heightened military provocation.
Kim Jong-un doubles down on military expansion
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill involved a hypersonic weapon system and was aimed at checking combat readiness, improving the operational skills of missile units and evaluating the overall strength 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.” He added that the country must continue to modernise its military capabilities, placing particular emphasis on offensive weapon systems.
The timing of the drill drew attention, coming just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping.
Hypersonic missiles raise regional stakes
A fully operational hypersonic weapon would give North Korea a significant advantage, as such missiles are designed to fly at extreme speeds while manoeuvring in ways that make them difficult to intercept. This could allow them to penetrate missile defence systems operated by the United States and South Korea.
North Korea has conducted multiple hypersonic-related tests in recent years, but many foreign experts remain unconvinced that the missiles have consistently achieved the speed and manoeuvrability required to meet true hypersonic standards.
Beyond hypersonic weapons, Pyongyang has recently test-fired long-range strategic cruise missiles, unveiled new anti-air missile systems and released images suggesting progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine.
Political messaging ahead of key party congress
Observers say the latest weapons activity is closely tied to the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, its first in five years. The meeting is expected to serve as a platform for Kim to highlight military achievements and potentially outline future policy direction.
There is particular interest in whether Kim will signal any shift in relations with Washington or address the long-stalled denuclearisation talks with the United States.
The launches 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 strongly criticised the move, calling it another example of what it described as the “rogue and brutal nature” of the US.
Many analysts believe such actions reinforce Kim’s view that expanding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal is essential to ensuring the survival of his government and protecting national sovereignty. During Sunday’s drill, Kim defended his nuclear push, saying its necessity was highlighted by “recent geopolitical crises and complicated international events.”
