North Korea announced on Thursday the successful testing of a “advanced” weapon system that utilizes hypersonic missiles, aiming to strengthen its defenses against perceived adversaries.
The South Korean military detected the launch on Wednesday, marking the first occurrence of such an event from Pyongyang in several months.
This test occurred just a week ahead of a summit in South Korea that will host several world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
The official Korean Central News Agency quoted high-ranking military official Pak Jong Chon stating that “the new advanced weapon system is a clear indication of the ongoing modernization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s self-defense capabilities.”
The agency noted that the test aims to enhance “the sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence against any potential enemies.”
Reports did not indicate whether North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was present during the launch.
According to state media, “two hypersonic projectiles” were fired south of the capital, Pyongyang, and successfully hit a target in the country’s northeast.
Images shared by the state news agency depicted a missile soaring through the air before striking a target and detonating.
Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds exceeding five times that of sound and can maneuver during flight, complicating efforts to track and intercept them.
North Korean media did not disclose specifics regarding the range, trajectory, or speed of the new missiles.
Experts suggest that Kim’s absence during the launch may reflect Pyongyang’s intention to “reduce” its visibility, according to Yang Moo-jin, a former head of North Korean studies at a Seoul university.
He added, “However, given its range, the hypersonic missile clearly targets the southern region,” particularly noting the timing of the launch just days before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
In a related development, officials on Thursday announced that South Korea has suspended tours in the shared security area within the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas ahead of Trump’s visit to the peninsula.
The Ministry of Unification in Seoul, which manages ties with the North, stated in a release to the press, “There will be no special field trips organized by the Ministry of Unification to Panmunjom from late October to early November.”