North Korea’s state television said on Tuesday the country tested a missile system under the supervision of its leader, Kim Jong-un.
The missile system is characterized as having “superb mobility” and the ability to reach a destination of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) distant with “perfect precision.”
The Missile is Quite Advanced
The “hypersonic gliding weapon” conducted a 600-kilometer (375-mile) “glide re-leap” and a 240-kilometer (150-mile) maneuver before hitting a target in the ocean that was 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away.
According to the spokesperson of the dictatorial regime, Kim personally witnessed the launching of the hypersonic missile; he emphasized the need to enhance the country’s military abilities, particularly improving the Army’s modernization.
Pyongyang launched a missile for the second time in much less than one week. On January 5, North Korea declared to have launched a hypersonic missile that hit a target 700 kilometers (435 miles) offshore.
Both of Pyongyang’s rocket launches were detected by South Korea and Japan, but they were assumed to be ballistic missiles, rather than hypersonic missiles.
The Joint Chiefs (JCS) of South Korea claimed it spotted a potential ballistic missile being launched into the East Sea from the Jagang provincial area at about 7.27 a.m. on January 11.
The rocket traveled at least 700 kilometers at a maximum height of around 60 kilometers, reaching up to ten times the speed.
#BREAKING North Korea warns of "stronger" reaction after US imposes new sanctions over its recent hypersonic missile launches pic.twitter.com/ibq16oOr87
— Guy Elster (@guyelster) January 13, 2022
According to Kyodo News, “our opinion [of the projectile] is it’s an upgraded version, comparable to the missile launch fired on January 5.”
A “possible ballistic missile” was launched east from North Korea at about 7.25 a.m. on January 11, according to Japan’s Defense Ministry. The projectile traveled less than 700 kilometers.
Then, it fell beyond Japan’s special free trade zone, according to the source; although, no damage has been detected as a result of this event so far. Pyongyang’s most current missile launch, according to KCNA, was a hypersonic rocket.
Hypersonic weapons, which can reach speeds of much more than five times the speed of sound —roughly 6,200 kilometers per hour— fly towards objectives at lower altitudes (3,850 mph).
They are more difficult to intercept and constitute a greater threat than long-range missiles, which reach space and then return on steep routes.
North Korea’s rocket launch, according to press secretary Jen Psaki, is a violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions and a danger to the entire community.
Blinken: North Korea missile tests "profoundly destabilizing" https://t.co/wAEqlzVRXE pic.twitter.com/ONYehTVVPu
— The Hill (@thehill) January 13, 2022
The Weapon Will Not Pose a Threat to US Soldiers
“While we have determined this event won’t pose an imminent threat to US soldiers, territory, or allies,” Psaki said at a press conference on Tuesday, “the launch illustrates the destabilizing consequences of the [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s] illegal weapons program.”
The US-led efforts to persuade North Korea to progress denuclearization, including the cession of its nuclear arms and nuclear missile fleet, have stalled since February 2019.
North Korea and the Trump administration were unable to reach an agreement, amid disagreements over international sanctions imposed on Pyongyang.
The Biden government stated it is willing to talk to North Korea at any time and without prerequisites.
However, the autocratic government started accusing the US of having “aggressive policies” against Pyongyang, including military drills and sanctions, which must be lifted before any talks can recommence.
