North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said that the recently tested new hypersonic missile system will help deter rivals in the country’s Pacific region. The test coincided with US secretary of state Antony Blinken‘s visits to South Korea and Japan.
North Korea tested a new hypersonic missile system this week, state media reported Tuesday.
“The hypersonic missile system will reliably contain any rivals in the Pacific region that can affect the security of our state,” said Kim, who oversaw the launch, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The missile flew 1,500 kilometers and traveled at 12 times the speed of sound before landing in the ocean, according to Kim. South Korea’s military reported a shorter flight distance of 1,100 kilometers. This is North Korea’s first missile test since November, when it launched a solid-fuel ICBM.
Kim said the missile launch was for self-defense. “This is clearly a plan and effort for self-defence, not an offensive plan and action,” Kim said. Despite claiming defensive intentions, Kim also stressed the missile’s capabilities. “This missile’s performance could not be ignored worldwide,” he said, adding it could “deal a serious military strike to a rival while effectively breaking any dense defensive barrier.”
Kim confirmed North Korea’s commitment to strengthening its military, saying, “The development of the defence capabilities of the DPRK aiming to be a military power will be further accelerated.”
Photos released by state media showed Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, observing the launch with him. The exact location of the test remains undisclosed.
The test coincided with Blinken’s visit to South Korea, a key strategic ally and longstanding rival of the North, with whom it is technically still at war.
US, South Korea condemn missile launch
Blinken and South Korean foreign minister Cho Tae-yul condemned the launch. Blinken stressed the need to strengthen the alliance with Japan and South Korea. He also expressed concerns about increasing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including on space technology. Blinken voiced worries about Russia potentially recognizing North Korea as a nuclear state.
South Korea, the US, and Japan’s nuclear envoys held a call to condemn the launch. Intelligence reports suggest North Korea sent troops to fight in Ukraine and has suffered casualties.