North Korea says it tested solid-fuel hypersonic missile

North Korea conducted a test of a new solid-fuel hypersonic missile with intermediate range, as reported by the state news agency KCNA on Monday. The move drew condemnation from the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

According to KCNA, the launch aimed to assess the reliability of newly developed multi-stage, high-thrust solid-fuel engines and an intermediate-range hypersonic maneuverable controlled warhead. KCNA said that the test posed no security threat to neighboring countries.

In response, South Korea’s military denounced the launch as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and issued a warning that any direct provocations by North Korea would be met with an “overwhelming response.”

This ballistic missile launch on Sunday, the first by North Korea in the current year, was condemned by the nuclear envoys of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. Following a three-way phone call, they attributed North Korea’s provocations as a root cause of regional instability.

Coincidentally, the missile test occurred on the same day that a delegation led by Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, heading to Russia, left Pyongyang, as reported by KCNA.

This missile launch and the diplomatic visit come amid escalating tensions between the two Koreas. Pyongyang’s recent series of intercontinental ballistic missile launches and the launch of its first military spy satellite have raised concerns. Additionally, deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow have triggered worries in Washington and its allies.

In a separate commentary by KCNA on Monday, North Korea accused Seoul of heightening tensions in the region through military drills and armament calls by South Korean officials. The commentary warned that even a minor incident could escalate into significant conflicts between the two historically hostile nations.

North Korea’s recent declaration designating South Korea as a separate enemy state, departing from decades-long policy, has added to the volatile situation. Leader Kim Jong Un stated that peaceful reunification is no longer viable, raising concerns among analysts that this shift could potentially be used to justify the use of nuclear weapons against Seoul in a future conflict.

According to South Korea’s military, the missile launched on Sunday originated from the area of Pyongyang at around 2:55 p.m. (0555 GMT) and traveled approximately 1,000 km (600 miles) off the country’s east coast. Japan’s defense ministry reported a maximum altitude of at least 50 km (30 miles).

Hypersonic missiles, known for launching warheads at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, often maneuver at relatively low altitudes. Analysts highlight that the primary advantage of hypersonic weapons lies in their maneuverability, which can aid in evading missile defenses.

This recent missile test follows North Korea’s announcement in November that it had tested new solid-fuel engines for an intermediate ballistic missile on Nov. 11 and Nov. 14.