North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test firing of hypersonic missiles on Sunday, in Pyongyang’s first ballistic missile exercise of the year, state media KCNA reported. The launch comes as Kim cited the need to maintain a “strong and reliable nuclear deterrent” in response to what he called “the recent geopolitical crisis and various international circumstances,” in remarks published on Monday.
The missiles struck targets approximately 1,000 km (621 miles) east of North Korea over the sea. South Korea confirmed the launches, which coincided with President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to China, Pyongyang’s closest ally. Analysts suggest the “geopolitical crisis” Kim referenced may be linked to U.S. military strikes in Venezuela, a notion reinforced by a North Korean statement denouncing Washington’s actions as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling more than five times the speed of sound while maneuvering at low altitudes, are designed to be harder to intercept than conventional ballistic missiles. Images released by state media indicate the missiles were likely Hwasong-11 models, first showcased at a military parade in October 2025 alongside long-range intercontinental missiles. Experts note that North Korea seeks to demonstrate its ability to launch these weapons at any time, complicating preemptive interception by U.S.-South Korean missile defense systems.
The missile tests align with North Korea’s broader nuclear ambitions, which include perfecting hypersonic technology and developing nuclear-powered submarines. Shin Beom-chul, a former South Korean vice defense minister, said the tests also send a message to South Korean and Chinese leaders ahead of summit talks on Monday, signaling Pyongyang’s unwillingness to negotiate denuclearization. Analysts expect the launches to underscore North Korea’s military capabilities ahead of the 9th congress of the ruling party, scheduled for later this month, where Kim is expected to highlight his nation’s completed nuclear deterrent.
