North Korea Tests Advanced Hypersonic Missile System Days Before Major APEC Summit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was reportedly absent during the recent missile launch test. (File)

South Korea:

On Thursday, North Korea announced the successful testing of a "cutting-edge" new weapon system utilizing hypersonic missiles, designed to enhance its defensive capabilities against perceived threats.

The military activity, which was detected by South Korean defense officials on Wednesday, marks Pyongyang's first such test in several months.

This demonstration of military capability comes just one week before global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, are scheduled to gather in South Korea for a significant regional summit.

North Korea's senior military official Pak Jong Chon stated that the "new cutting-edge weapon system clearly demonstrates the steady enhancement of DPRK's self-defensive technical capabilities," according to the state news agency KCNA.

KCNA further explained that the test aimed to improve the "sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence against potential enemies."

Notably, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not mentioned as being present at the launch event.

According to state media reports, two "hypersonic projectiles" were launched from an area south of Pyongyang, successfully striking a target in northeastern North Korea.

KCNA released images showing a missile in flight before hitting its target and creating an explosion with black debris and smoke.

Hypersonic missiles are characterized by their ability to travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound and can be maneuvered mid-flight, making them particularly challenging to track and intercept.

Such weapons have been deployed with devastating effect in Ukraine by Russian forces this year, and by Iran against Israel. North Korea has strengthened its ties with Russia in recent years.

The North Korean media release did not provide specific details regarding the missiles' range, trajectory angle, or speed capabilities.

Yang Moo-jin, former president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, suggested to AFP that Kim's absence from the launch might indicate Pyongyang's desire to "tone down" the impact of the test.

"However, given its range, the hypersonic missile is clearly aimed at the South," Yang added, noting the timing's significance with the APEC summit approaching in just days.