North Korea announced on Tuesday that it had successfully tested technology related to its new hypersonic missile. The test, overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, involved a ground jet test of the multi-stage solid-fuel engine for the country's new intermediate-range hypersonic missile at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground.
The hypersonic missile is designed to have increased power and agility, with the capability to target distant U.S. territories, including Guam, which hosts U.S. military bases. Kim Jong Un emphasized the strategic importance of the new missile, stating that it could potentially target the U.S. mainland.
North Korea's ongoing missile development efforts also aim to reach targets such as Alaska and U.S. military installations in Japan's Okinawa island. Additionally, the country is working on hypersonic weapons that could potentially bypass U.S. and South Korean missile defense systems.
Recent tests by North Korea have focused on solid-fuel propellants, which offer advantages in terms of launch detection compared to liquid-propellant missiles. The exact speed and maneuverability of North Korea's hypersonic missiles remain undisclosed.
Experts, including Chang Young-keun from South Korea's Research Institute for National Strategy, suggest that the successful engine test indicates that North Korea may soon conduct a test launch of the new hypersonic missile.
Kim Jong Un has publicly expressed ambitions to develop advanced weapons systems in response to perceived U.S. hostility. The recent missile tests by North Korea, detected by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, are seen as part of this broader strategy.
Analysts anticipate that North Korea may escalate its missile testing activities in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election in November.
