Pyongyang: North Korea has declared the successful testing of two hypersonic projectiles, emphasizing their significance as a new weapon system to enhance the nation's war deterrence capabilities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the projectiles were launched from the Ryokpho District in Pyongyang and successfully hit their intended targets on Kwesang Peak in Orang County, North Hamgyong Province. The test, conducted by North Korea's Missile Administration, was part of a defense program aimed at bolstering strategic deterrence.
South Korea's military had previously observed North Korea firing multiple short-range ballistic missiles, which traveled approximately 350 kilometers. Military sources identified these as potentially being the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 tactical ballistic missiles, similar to those tested by the North in September last year. The missiles landed inland rather than in the East Sea.
Notably absent from the test was North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The launch was overseen by Pak Jong-chon, a senior official of the Workers' Party of Korea, and other key figures. Kim's absence has been interpreted as a sign that technological development for the Hwasong-11Ma, revealed during a military parade earlier this month, is still in progress.
Pak Jong-chon asserted that the new weapon system marks a significant advancement in North Korea's self-defensive capabilities. He stressed the country's ongoing commitment to enhancing its war deterrence and self-defense, describing the weapon system as having a "new strategic value."
This missile test is the first since South Korean President Lee Jae Myung assumed office in June and comes just ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju. The event is scheduled to host U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will engage in talks with President Lee.
While South Korea's military and unification ministry have refrained from commenting on the timing of the launch, a military official indicated that North Korea might still be refining its hypersonic missile technologies. The advanced missile's usual characteristics, such as evasive maneuvering, were not observed during the launch.
Hypersonic missiles, known for their high speed and maneuverability, pose a challenge to existing missile defense systems. They travel at speeds of at least Mach 5 and can follow unpredictable flight paths at low altitudes.
In a parliamentary session, Gen. Son Sug-rag, Air Force chief of staff, highlighted the need for further assessment to determine whether the missiles were indeed the Hwasong-11Ma.
Officials have expressed difficulty in concluding whether the launch was intended as a political message ahead of the APEC summit, particularly given Kim Jong-un's absence and the emphasis on self-defense as the rationale behind the test.