North Korea’s recent test of a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile has sent shockwaves through the international community, raising concerns about the hermit kingdom’s growing military capabilities and its potential impact on regional stability.
At a Glance
- North Korea tested a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile aimed at Pacific targets
- The missile reportedly reached speeds up to 12 times the speed of sound
- South Korea detected the launch, with the missile flying 1,100 kilometers
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the test as a violation of UN resolutions
- Concerns arise over potential military cooperation between North Korea and Russia
North Korea’s Bold Missile Test
North Korea has announced the successful test of a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile, marking a significant advancement in its military capabilities. The missile, reportedly designed to strike targets deep in the Pacific, was launched under the direct supervision of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. According to state media, the missile traveled an impressive 1,500 kilometers and reached speeds up to 12 times the speed of sound.
You better believe that North Korea’s new relationship with Russia has something to do with this, too.
The test has raised alarm bells among neighboring countries and the international community. South Korea’s military detected the launch, reporting that the missile flew approximately 1,100 kilometers before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. This discrepancy in reported distances has led to skepticism about North Korea’s claims regarding the missile’s capabilities.
You can see photos of the launch here:
North Korea confirms new hypersonic missile test
The DPRK said it successfully test-fired a new medium- and long-range hypersonic ballistic missile on January 6, the Korean Central News Agency reported.
Kim Jong-Un watched the test launch and said the new missile is capable of… pic.twitter.com/C4NR8PR2ww
— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) January 7, 2025
Worrying, isn’t it?
Kim Jong Un has hailed the missile test as a major success, emphasizing its strategic importance in deterring potential adversaries. The North Korean leader’s rhetoric has been particularly bold, with state media quoting him as saying the new weapon system is one that “no one can respond to.”
“The hypersonic missile system will reliably contain any rivals in the Pacific region that can affect the security of our state,” Kim Jong Un said.
International Reaction and Concerns
The international community has swiftly condemned North Korea’s missile test. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized the launch as a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. The test has also reignited concerns about potential military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, with fears that Pyongyang may be receiving advanced weapons technology in exchange for supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
South Korea’s military has expressed skepticism about North Korea’s claims regarding the missile’s capabilities, however. Colonel Lee Sung Joon, a spokesman for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, suggested that North Korea might be exaggerating the system’s performance. This skepticism highlights the ongoing challenge of verifying North Korea’s military advancements and the potential for misinformation in the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.
Let’s hope South Korea is right.