North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of “cutting-edge” hypersonic missiles on Monday, stating that the country’s nuclear forces are fully prepared for war. State media cited Kim, highlighting the urgency of the test amid a “geopolitical crisis,” in what appeared to reference the recent US operation in Venezuela.
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Seoul and Tokyo confirmed that two ballistic missiles were fired from near Pyongyang, marking North Korea’s first missile test of the year. The launches came just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung traveled to Beijing for a summit aimed at using China’s influence to improve ties with Pyongyang.
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Kim told state media outlet KCNA that the test demonstrated “the readiness of the DPRK’s nuclear forces.” “Important achievements have been recently made in putting our nuclear forces on a practical basis and preparing them for an actual war,” he said, referring to efforts to strengthen the country’s war deterrent.
Photos released by state media showed Kim accompanied by top officials, observing missiles soaring into the sky. He linked the launches to recent international developments, implicitly pointing to the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over the weekend.
North Korea has long justified its missile and nuclear programs as a deterrent against potential regime-change efforts by the United States. Analysts note that the hypersonic missile launches send a clear message that Pyongyang possesses advanced nuclear capabilities.
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Hypersonic missiles travel at more than five times the speed of sound and can manoeuvre mid-flight, making them difficult to track or intercept. North Korea first tested this new missile system in October, following similar deployments by Russia in Ukraine and by Iran against Israel, strengthening its strategic ties with both countries.
The test underscores Pyongyang’s commitment to advancing its missile capabilities and signals heightened regional tensions as international powers continue to monitor its weapons program. The launches further complicate diplomatic efforts in East Asia, particularly amid Seoul’s outreach to Beijing and ongoing US-North Korea tensions.