North Korea Claims Success in New Hypersonic Missile Test Amid Regional Tensions

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North Korea has announced the successful launch of a new hypersonic missile, marking a significant development in its military capabilities. According to state media, the missile was tested under the supervision of Kim Jong-un, who claimed it serves to counter security threats from hostile forces in the Pacific region.

The reported test took place on January 6, 2025, from near Pyongyang and showcased the missile hitting a simulated target in the sea after covering a distance of 1,500 kilometers at speeds reaching 12 times the speed of sound. However, South Korean military officials expressed skepticism about the North Korean claims, suggesting that the missile's actual flight range was approximately 1,100 kilometers, which aligns with their analysis.

This missile test comes at a time of political turmoil in South Korea and shortly before the inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. President, who previously engaged with Kim in attempts to resolve tensions in the Korean Peninsula. Kim Jong-un highlighted the importance of hypersonic missiles as part of North Korea’s nuclear deterrent strategy, stating they would deter any rivals attempting to threaten the nation's security.

Some experts believe this new missile may be an enhanced version of a previous model, potentially benefiting from technological assistance from Russia amidst growing ties between the two nations.

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