North Korea Claims Successful Hypersonic Missile Test: What It Means for Regional Security

North Korea's Latest Missile Test

Seoul: On Thursday, North Korea announced the successful launch of two hypersonic missiles, labeling them as a significant addition to its arsenal. The state media emphasized that these advanced projectiles enhance the nation’s defensive capabilities.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missiles were launched from the Ryokpho District in Pyongyang and successfully struck a designated target at Kwesang Peak in Orang County, North Hamgyong Province.

This test, which took place the day before, was part of a broader initiative to improve North Korea's defense capabilities against perceived threats, as reported by KCNA.

Earlier, South Korea's military confirmed that North Korea had fired several short-range ballistic missiles in a northeast direction around 8:10 a.m., covering a distance of approximately 350 kilometers.

Military analysts suggested that these missiles could be the tactical Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, previously tested by North Korea in September, noting that they landed inland rather than in the East Sea.

Notably, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was absent during the test, which was overseen by Pak Jong-chon, a senior official from the Workers' Party of Korea.

Kim's absence has led to speculation that North Korea may still be refining its technology for the Hwasong-11Ma, which was first showcased in a military parade earlier this month.

Pak described the new weapon system as a testament to North Korea's ongoing efforts to enhance its self-defense capabilities, asserting that it possesses 'new strategic value.'

This missile launch marks the first of its kind since South Korean President Lee Jae Myung took office in June and represents the first ballistic missile activity in about five months, according to reports.

The timing of this military display comes just a week before South Korea is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1.

While South Korea's military and unification ministry did not provide detailed assessments regarding the launch's timing, a military official indicated that North Korea might not have fully developed its hypersonic missile technology, as advanced features like evasive maneuvers were not observed.

Hypersonic missiles are challenging to intercept due to their speed, which exceeds Mach 5, and their ability to maneuver unpredictably at low altitudes.

During a parliamentary session on Thursday, Air Force Chief Gen. Son Sug-rag stated that further evaluation is necessary to determine if the missiles launched were indeed the Hwasong-11Ma.

Officials also noted that it remains unclear whether the recent launch was intended to send a political message ahead of the APEC summit, especially given that Kim did not personally oversee the launch and the stated reason was self-defense.