North Korea Conducts Hypersonic Missile Tests Amid Global Geopolitical Tensions

North Korea Conducts Hypersonic Missile Drill Amid “Geopolitical Crisis”

State media reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a series of test flights for hypersonic missiles, citing a need to bolster the country’s nuclear deterrent amid recent international tensions. The drills took place on Sunday and were confirmed by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Monday.

According to KCNA, the tests aimed to examine North Korea’s readiness, enhance missile troops’ firepower operational skills, and evaluate the operational capabilities of its war deterrent. Kim Jong Un stated that the drill demonstrated a “very important technology task for national defence” and emphasized the need to continuously upgrade military means, particularly offensive weapon systems.

The missiles were reportedly launched from an undisclosed location east of North Korea and hit targets approximately 1,000km away over the sea. The launch followed a statement by North Korea denouncing US actions in Venezuela and describing them as a “serious encroachment of sovereignty”.

Experts have noted that the test appears to be a response to the US strikes on Venezuela. Hong Min, an expert on North Korea at the Korea Institute for National Unification, stated that the missile tested is believed to be the Hwasong-11, which was showcased in October.

The possession of a functioning hypersonic weapon would give North Korea the ability to penetrate the US and South Korea’s missile defence shields. The country has conducted several tests in recent weeks, including long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air missiles. Observers believe that North Korea aims to demonstrate its achievements in the weapons development sector ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Party Congress.

The summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for later on Monday, where discussions are expected to focus on North Korea’s nuclear programme.

Source: Al Jazeera