North Korea has test-launched a hypersonic missile that successfully struck targets in the East Sea, state media reported on Monday, marking the country’s first missile launch of 2026.
The drill was carried out in Pyongyang a day earlier to assess war deterrence and the operational readiness of the weapon system, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), as cited by CNA.
The report said a sub-unit under a major firing strike group of the Korean People’s Army conducted the launch to verify the missile’s combat capability and its ability to fulfil assigned missions.
The weapon tested was described as a new, “cutting-edge” hypersonic missile system, first unveiled at a military parade in October last year and initially tested later that month.
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Kim Jong-un stresses 'recent geopolitical crises'
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the missile drill and praised what he called recent “important achievements” in putting the country’s nuclear forces on a practical footing. “Our nuclear forces have been prepared for an actual war,” Kim was quoted as saying by state media. He added that the test was necessary in light of “recent geopolitical crises and complicated international events.”
Although KCNA did not directly name the crisis, the remarks were widely seen as a reference to the United States’ recent military action that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. North Korea has strongly condemned the move, calling it a “serious encroachment of sovereignty,” state media said.
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Message to missile forces
Kim urged continuous upgrades of military capabilities, especially offensive weapons, calling it an “essential undertaking for self-defence.” He also thanked the missile unit involved in the drill and extended New Year greetings to missile force personnel, expressing hope they would remain a “reliable shield” for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Yonhap news agency reported.
Senior officials, including Kim Jong-sik and Missile Administration chief Jang Chang-ha, were present during the drill.
