North Korea's hypersonic missile test raises regional tensions
On Tuesday, north Korean state media reported that a successful test of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a hypersonic warhead was conducted the previous day. According to leader Kim Jong-un, the weapon can " effectively " deter rivals in the Pacific region.
The missile flew approximately 932 miles at a speed 12 times that of sound, reaching an altitude of 62 miles before hitting the designated target during tests overseen by Kim Jong-un through a monitoring system, the North Korean news agency KCNA reported.
Alarm over Blinken's words
On Monday, the South Korean military and the Japanese Ministry of Defence reported detecting the launch of the IRBM. Their assessment indicated the missile flew approximately 684 miles and fell into the Sea of Japan.
On that day, the outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting Seoul, where he admitted, "There is credible evidence that Moscow intends to share advanced space and satellite technologies with Pyongyang in exchange for the support provided in the war against Ukraine."
"Effectively deter rivals"
The agency reports that a new mixture of carbon fibres was used for the engine's body, and the system "can deliver a serious blow to the opponent while effectively breaking through any dense defensive barrier."
"The hypersonic weapon system will effectively deter any rivals in the Pacific region who may impact the security of our nation," said Kim, as quoted by KCNA.
Kim threatens the USA
At the end of December last year, Kim committed to adopting the "harshest strategy to counter the USA" during a meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. He also stated that military cooperation between South Korea, the USA, and Japan has turned into a "military bloc of aggression."
The Yonhap agency recalls that North Korea launched an IRBM in January and April last year. The last missile test by Pyongyang was conducted on 5th November last year. Since Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election on 6th November, Pyongyang has ceased such provocations.
