Kim Jong Un Oversees Hypersonic Missile Test to Bolster Nuclear Deterrent
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test firing of hypersonic missiles on Sunday, marking Pyongyang’s first ballistic missile launch of the year, state media KCNA reported. Kim said the test was part of an essential strategy to strengthen North Korea’s nuclear deterrent amid growing global instability.
Pyongyang Cites Need for Strong Defence amid Global Tensions
“It’s a very important strategy to maintain or expand a strong and reliable nuclear deterrent,” Kim was quoted as saying. He cited “the recent geopolitical crisis and various international circumstances” as reasons for reinforcing military capabilities, though he did not specify the crisis. Analysts suggested his remarks might refer to recent U.S. strikes on Venezuela, which Pyongyang condemned as a violation of that country’s sovereignty.
According to KCNA, the missiles successfully struck targets approximately 1,000 kilometres away over the sea east of North Korea. South Korea’s military confirmed the launch, noting it occurred as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung began a state visit to China, Pyongyang’s main ally.
Hypersonic Weapons Pose Interception Challenges
Hypersonic missiles can travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, roughly 6,200 kilometres per hour, and are capable of manoeuvring at lower altitudes, making them difficult to detect and intercept. Experts emphasise that the key advantage of these weapons lies in their agility rather than sheer speed.
North Korea last tested hypersonic missiles in October 2025, displaying them during a military parade alongside long-range intercontinental missiles. Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, said the latest launch likely featured the Hwasong-11 missiles showcased during that parade. He argued that Pyongyang’s intent was to demonstrate its readiness to deploy such weapons at any time, complicating pre-emptive defence efforts by the United States and South Korea.
Advancing Nuclear and Military Ambitions
The pursuit of hypersonic missile technology forms part of North Korea’s five key nuclear-arms development objectives announced in 2021. Shin Beom-chul, a former South Korean vice defence minister and now a senior researcher at the Sejong Institute, said the timing of the test aimed to send a message to both Seoul and Beijing ahead of their summit. Pyongyang, he said, sought to deter any discussion of denuclearisation.
North Korean state media has also released images claiming progress in building nuclear-powered submarines. “Kim wants to tell the international community that his nuclear power is complete,” Shin added, referring to the upcoming 9th Congress of the ruling party, expected to be held later this month.
with inputs from Reuters
