North Korea claims new hypersonic missile system

North Korea said it test-fired a new “strategic” hypersonic missile system Wednesday and that two projectiles “hit the target point." — Image credit: KCNA via REUTERS

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Summary

Hypersonic claim

KCNA says two “strategic” hypersonic projectiles from Pyongyang hit a target in the northeast; photos show launch and impact. South Korea reported multiple short-range shots landing.

APEC timing

Launches land days before APEC leaders, including Trump and Xi Jinping, visit South Korea. U.S. Forces Korea condemned “unlawful and destabilizing actions,” reaffirming alliance commitments.

Testing pattern

North Korea has done about a dozen tests this year, stressing qualitative gains like hypersonics and solid-fuel ICBMs. Analysts see potential for an ICBM test by early 2026.

Full story

North Korea said it test-fired a new “strategic” hypersonic missile system and that two projectiles launched Wednesday “hit the target point” in the country’s northeast, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency. South Korea’s military said it detected multiple short-range launches that flew about 217 miles to the northeast before landing, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The shots come days before Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping, visit South Korea.

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U.S. Forces Korea said it was “fully aware” of the launches and urged Pyongyang to stop “unlawful and destabilizing actions,” adding that the U.S. commitment to the alliance with Seoul remains “ironclad,” AP News reported.

Hypersonic weapons fly at least five times the speed of sound and are designed to maneuver mid-flight, complicating interception. Japan has warned that North Korea’s hypersonic gliding warheads could evade defenses, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Missile launch

Korean state-run media said the Missile Administration launched two hypersonic projectiles from Pyongyang’s Ryokpho District toward a target on the tableland of Kwesang Peak in Orang County and called the system a “new cutting-edge weapon system” to bolster “strategic deterrence.”

Pak Jong Chon, a senior party official who oversaw the test, praised the program and said activities will continue to “bolster up the war deterrent,” according to KCNA.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs said the launches originated south of Pyongyang and were the first ballistic tests since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June, the AP said.

South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that photos released by Korean state media showed a missile in flight and the moment of impact. Yonhap also noted that the projectiles may match short-range systems displayed at a military parade earlier this month.

North Korea has conducted about a dozen public weapons tests this year, as Kim Jong Un emphasizes qualitative advances, including hypersonic technology, solid-fuel ICBMs and upgraded air defenses.

What’s next

Experts cited by the AP said North Korea could be preparing to test a new intercontinental ballistic missile ahead of a ruling party conference in early 2026. The Journal reported Pyongyang is signaling confidence, seeking recognition as a de facto nuclear state while moving to upgrade conventional forces, even as many capabilities remain far from full deployment.

William Jackson (Producer)

William is a producer at Straight Arrow News, located in Omaha, Nebraska.

Matt Bishop (Digital Producer) contributed to this report.

Tags: Donald Trump, Hypersonic missile, military, North Korea, South Korea, Xi Jinping

Why this story matters

North Korea's launch of multiple short-range ballistic missiles shortly before an international summit attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping raises concerns about regional security, diplomatic tensions and the ongoing nuclear weapons debate on the Korean Peninsula.

Regional security

The missile launches heighten security concerns among neighboring countries, prompting emergency military responses and consultations among South Korea, the United States and Japan to address potential threats and maintain stability in Northeast Asia.

Diplomatic signaling

According to multiple sources, the timing of the tests appears aimed at influencing discussions at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and signaling North Korea’s stance in ongoing diplomatic dynamics with the U.S., South Korea, China and others.

Nuclear weapons status

North Korea's continued missile development and tests, as reported by several outlets, underline Pyongyang's efforts to be acknowledged as a nuclear weapons state.

Get the big picture

Behind the numbers

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the missiles traveled around 350 kilometers (217 miles) after being launched from near Pyongyang. According to multiple sources, it was the first North Korean launch of its kind in five months.

Community reaction

Japanese officials stated there was no threat to their security and are in close contact with South Korea and the United States. South Korea's government convened emergency meetings to assess potential impacts and maintain military readiness.

Global impact

The launches challenge regional stability and security, prompting responses from South Korea, Japan and the United States. The incident may affect discussions at the APEC summit and highlights the persistent risk of escalation on the Korean Peninsula.

Oppo research

Opponents of renewed negotiations with North Korea argue that missile tests are provocations intended to force concessions, such as relief from economic sanctions, without real intent for denuclearization.