North Korea says it test-fired hypersonic weapons in latest missile drills

North Korea said on Monday that leader Kim Jong Un observed test flights of hypersonic missiles and stressed the need to further strengthen the country’s nuclear war deterrent, as Pyongyang ramps up weapons displays ahead of a major political conference.

The announcement came a day after South Korea and Japan said they detected multiple ballistic missile launches, accusing the North of fresh provocations. The tests were carried out just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill involving a hypersonic weapon system was aimed at checking combat readiness, improving the operational skills of missile units and evaluating the effectiveness of the country’s war deterrent.

“Through today’s launching drill, we can confirm that a very important technology task for national defense has been carried out,” Kim said, as quoted by KCNA. “We must continuously upgrade military means, especially offensive weapon systems.”

If fully operational, hypersonic missiles would give North Korea the ability to penetrate US and South Korean missile defense systems. While Pyongyang has conducted a series of related tests in recent years, many foreign experts remain skeptical about whether the missiles have achieved the necessary speed and maneuverability.

In recent weeks, North Korea has also test-fired what it described as long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air missiles, and released images suggesting progress in the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine.

Observers say the weapons tests are intended to showcase or review achievements in arms development ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party congress, its first in five years. Attention is focused on whether Kim may use the gathering to outline a new approach toward the United States and revive long-stalled diplomatic talks.

North Korea’s nuclear programme is expected to feature in discussions during the Lee–Xi summit later on Monday. Lee’s office has said he will urge China, North Korea’s main ally and economic lifeline, to play a “constructive role” in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The latest launches followed a dramatic US military operation over the weekend that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power and transported him to the United States to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. North Korea condemned the operation, saying it once again demonstrated the “rogue and brutal nature” of the US.

Many analysts say the US action is likely to reinforce Kim’s push to further expand his nuclear arsenal, which he views as essential to ensuring the survival of his government and protecting state sovereignty against US-led pressure.

During Sunday’s launch drill, Kim defended his drive to strengthen nuclear forces. “Why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events,” he said.