North Korea claims to have tested a new hypersonic missile, which reportedly traveled a distance of 1,500 kilometers at a speed twelve times that of sound, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency. The missile is said to have reached a maximum altitude of 100 kilometers and accurately hit a target off the east coast.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly oversaw the test personally. South Korea, the democratic neighbor, confirmed observing such a test, though its military reported the missile landed in the sea after approximately 1,100 kilometers.
North Korea has frequently caused international tension by conducting missile tests, including multiple launches last year. In November, another missile test occurred, and a ballistic missile was launched in October, a day after South Korea’s intelligence warned of a potential test.
Such launches are prohibited under United Nations resolutions. The recent launch followed calls by U.S. and South Korean defense ministers for North Korea to withdraw its troops from Russia.
The North Korean regime is assisting Russia in the conflict against Ukraine, having sent thousands of troops and allegedly supplying weapons. Last year, Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui stated in Moscow that North Korea would support Russia until victory over Ukraine is achieved.
Source: NOS