- North Korea fired two short-range missiles from the Wonsan area on Sunday, detected by South Korea's military.
- The missiles flew about 450 and 600 kilometers toward the sea, landing outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
- North Korea's KCNA reported that the test involved a new weapons system of 'great significance', with photos showing a missile previously described as hypersonic.
- Kim Jong Un stated that the weapon's development would strengthen war readiness and give enemies an 'incurable headache'.
- A spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff cautioned that North Korea's claims 'cannot be 100% trusted'.
- The test showcased ultra-modern defense technology and was overseen by Kim Jong Un, who praised progress in strengthening the country's war readiness.
- Kim emphasized that the test demonstrated a significant development in the country's armed forces' ability to fight.
- Kim was quoted saying that such advancements would give the enemy an 'incurable headache' and a 'very cruel and unavoidable blow'.
North Korea has claimed a significant advancement in its military capabilities with the testing of a new hypersonic weapon system, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency.
Leader Kim Jong Un stated that the weapon's development would enhance the country's war readiness and provide adversaries with an 'incurable headache.'
The announcement coincided with the launch of two short-range missiles from the eastern coastal area of Wonsan, detected by South Korea's military. The missiles reportedly flew approximately 450 and 600 kilometers (280 miles and 370 miles) before landing in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
Photographs released by KCNA depicted Kim observing a monitoring screen that identified the missile as a Hwasong-11Ma, previously described as hypersonic. The screen displayed a speed of 2,146 meters (1.3 miles) per second, an altitude of 35.8 kilometers (22 miles), and a range of 908.2 kilometers (564 miles).
Jang Do-young, a spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, cautioned that North Korea's claims about missile capabilities 'cannot be 100% trusted.'
The test occurred shortly after North Korea accused the US of escalating tensions through military drills, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region.
“The missiles flew about 450 and 600 kilometers toward the sea, with Japan confirming they landed outside its exclusive economic zone. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff cautioned that the North's claims about missile capabilities 'cannot be 100% trusted'.”
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