North Korea confirms hypersonic missile test under Kim leadership

North Korea said it test-fired hypersonic missiles as part of an operational drill overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, framing the launch as a major step in advancing its war deterrent capabilities. According to state-run media, the test assessed the readiness and performance of the country’s emerging hypersonic weapons, a technology that has drawn international attention due to its speed and maneuverability.Details of the missile launch

The Korean Central News Agency reported that a fire strike unit of the Korean People’s Army conducted the launch, focusing on operational mobility and battlefield responsiveness. Kim observed the test and said it confirmed that “a very important technology task for national defense has been carried out,” signaling confidence in recent weapons development programs.

Kim Jong Un’s message on nuclear readiness

During the inspection, Kim praised missile units for demonstrating preparedness linked to North Korea’s nuclear forces. He said recent progress showed a strategic emphasis on defense science and technology, adding that “important achievements have been recently made in putting our nuclear forces on a practical basis and preparing them for an actual war.”

Range and regional context

KCNA said the missiles were launched from Pyongyang’s Ryokpo district and struck targets roughly 1,000 kilometers away in waters east of the Korean Peninsula. The timing coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s first official visit to China since taking office, where he was set to meet President Xi Jinping and described China as a key partner for regional peace.

Broader security implications

Last month, North Korea also reported firing long-range strategic cruise missiles to test combat readiness and counter-offensive capabilities. Such developments are closely monitored by the international community, including Türkiye, as hypersonic missile tests add pressure to global nonproliferation efforts and influence security calculations across Asia and beyond.