State media reported on Monday that the North Korean leader supervised hypersonic missile test flights and advocated for enhancing the nation’s nuclear war deterrent, as Pyongyang intensifies its weapons demonstrations prior to a significant political gathering.
According to North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency, Sunday’s exercise with a hypersonic weapon system aimed to evaluate combat preparedness, enhance missile unit operational capabilities, and gauge the nation’s comprehensive war deterrent.
“Today’s launch exercise confirms that a highly significant technological mission for national defense has been accomplished,” Kim stated, as reported by KCNA. “We must persistently modernize our military capabilities, particularly offensive weapons systems.”
The declaration followed South Korea and Japan’s detection of several North Korean missile launches, which they denounced as provocative acts. The tests occurred mere hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left for China for a meeting with President .
A fully operational hypersonic missile would enable North Korea to bypass U.S. and South Korean missile defense networks. Although Pyongyang has carried out numerous hypersonic tests recently, many international specialists continue to doubt whether these weapons have attained the required velocity and agility.
These recent tests come after earlier launches of what North Korea termed long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-aircraft systems, in addition to on what it claims is its first nuclear-powered submarine.
Analysts indicate the regime is displaying its weapons progress prior to the ruling Workers’ Party congress, the first such meeting in five years. The gathering will likely assess military accomplishments and may reveal whether Kim intends to alter his U.S. strategy or reactivate dormant .
The summit between Lee and Xi is also anticipated to address North Korea’s nuclear program. Lee’s office stated that the South Korean president intends to — Pyongyang’s main ally and economic partner — to assume “a constructive role” in reducing Korean Peninsula tensions.
In justifying his advocacy for nuclear expansion, Kim referenced increasing worldwide instability.
“The recent geopolitical crises and complex international developments demonstrate why this is necessary,” he stated.
The missile tests occurred after Saturday’s dramatic that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power and extradited him to the U.S. to confront narco-terrorism conspiracy allegations. North Korea denounced the action, describing it as additional evidence of what it called “the rogue and brutal nature of the U.S.”
Experts suggest this development will probably strengthen Kim’s determination to enlarge North Korea’s nuclear stockpile, which he considers vital for regime survival and national sovereignty amid what Pyongyang perceives as U.S.-led antagonism.