North Korea announced on Wednesday that it had successfully test-fired two new weapon systems, described as hypersonic missiles, claiming that they struck their designated targets.
On Thursday, the Korean Central News Agency reported that the Missile Bureau had successfully conducted tests on a new critical weapon system. The agency stated that two hypersonic projectiles, launched from the Ryokpo District in Pyongyang in a northeastward direction, struck their designated targets on the Gwaesangbong ridge in North Hamgyong Province.
Present at the missile test site were Pak Jong-chon, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Director Kim Jong-sik, and Missile Bureau Director Jang Chang-ha. Notably, Kim Jong Un was absent from the event.
Vice Chairman Pak emphasized the significance of the new weapon system, stating that the advanced nature of this technology clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enhancing the self-defensive military capabilities. He added that the actions are explicitly aimed at bolstering the war deterrence, with the ultimate objective of reinforcing the national defense.
The state news agency also reported that testing this new weapon system is part of a broader defense development strategy, designed to improve the sustainability and effectiveness of North Korea’s strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.
According to South Korean military sources, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) northeastward at approximately 8:10 a.m. from the Junghwa area in North Hwanghae Province. Military analysts suspect these may be the new tactical ballistic missile Hwasong-11D-4.5, which was previously test-fired by North Korea on September 18 of last year.
This latest missile launch has drawn significant attention as it comes just days before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. Experts suggest that North Korea may be attempting to assert its presence on the international stage, particularly in light of the anticipated South Korea–U.S. and South Korea–China summit meetings during the APEC conference.
Interestingly, news of this test launch was conspicuously absent from the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea.