North Korea Tests New Hypersonic Missile
World
On January 7, 2025, North Korea announced that it had tested a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile. If perfected, these missiles could potentially reach U.S. military hubs such as Guam. North Korea intends to use this system to strengthen its nuclear defense and counter rival states.
North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the missile launch on Monday. The missile reportedly traveled 932 miles, reached altitudes of 62 and 26.4 miles, and achieved a speed 12 times faster than sound. The test was conducted over the Pacific Ocean.
Lee Sung Joon, head of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that North Korea is exaggerating the capabilities of its system.
In recent years, North Korea has been testing intermediate-range missiles and hypersonic weapons, focusing heavily on advancing their technology. If fully developed, these missiles could threaten U.S. military bases in the Pacific region.
Kim Jong Un described the missile as a significant step toward strengthening national security and countering threats from other countries. He also announced plans to further expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal.
The missile launch occurred while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in South Korea for discussions on the North Korean nuclear threat. Blinken condemned North Korea’s actions for violating U.N. Security Council resolutions against its weapons programs.
Lee Sung Joon, head of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that North Korea is exaggerating the capabilities of its system.
In recent years, North Korea has been testing intermediate-range missiles and hypersonic weapons, focusing heavily on advancing their technology. If fully developed, these missiles could threaten U.S. military bases in the Pacific region.
Kim Jong Un described the missile as a significant step toward strengthening national security and countering threats from other countries. He also announced plans to further expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal.
The missile launch occurred while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in South Korea for discussions on the North Korean nuclear threat. Blinken condemned North Korea’s actions for violating U.N. Security Council resolutions against its weapons programs.
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