North Korea launches what it says is a new mid- to long-range solid-fuel hypersonic missile, at an unknown location in North Korea, April 2, 2024 Photo by KCNA via Reuters
In an incredible turn of events, the new year has witnessed North Korea’s first ballistic missile test overseen by Kim Jong Un. It was reported Monday by state-owned media, KCNA, that the North Korean leader placed major importance upon the nuclear deterrent of North Korea and considered it a necessary measure amid “geo-political crises and international events” that are “recent”.
Though Kim provided no information regarding the precise event he was alluding to, analysts are interpreting it as being associated with the U.S. forces’ recent attacks on Venezuela. It was the report of KCNA that the missiles struck targets at a distance of approximately 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), with their landing in the water to the east of the Korean Peninsula.
The missile launch coincided with the start of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s official visit to China, considered the North’s most significant ally. The South Korean military acknowledged the missile launch and said the projectiles were directed over the peninsula’s eastern waters.
Along with other statements, North Korea condemned the U.S. actions in Venezuela very harshly and accused Washington of infringing Venezuela’s sovereignty. The combination of the missile tests, the timing, and the subsequent condemnation indicates that the tensions in the area are getting higher.
Hypersonic missiles are a great source of concern as they can travel at speeds exceeding five times that of sound (approximately, 6200 km/h or 3850 mph), but their capability to maneuver at low altitudes makes them incredibly hard to intercept, unlike traditional ballistic missiles. Analysts underline the point that the speed of these missiles is not the main criterion but their uncertainty and maneuverability are.
North Korea last tested hypersonic missiles in October 2025, with some experts suggesting the missiles used in Sunday’s test were of the same Hwasong-11 type showcased at that time. According to Hong Min, an expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification, these missile launches seem to be a direct response to the U.S. strikes on Venezuela, as Kim’s statement mentioned the “geopolitical crisis” as a factor.
This missile launch has become a factor in North Korea’s plan that is to assert its capability to fire missiles whenever it wants and at the same time making it harder for the U.S. and South Korean missile defense systems to intercept the missiles. Experts think is building the power to attack without notice as the main goal of its missile program.
International discussion about the repercussions of North Korea’s activities on the security balance in the area as well as on the international scene is very intense and taking place close to the unfolding of the events.
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