Kim Jong Un Oversees North Korea’s Hypersonic Missile Test

North Korea has tested hypersonic missiles as part of an effort to assess its military operational readiness and strengthen its war deterrence capabilities, state media reported on Monday. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the missile launch on Sunday.

KCNA said the test was conducted in response to what it described as “the recent geopolitical crisis and various international circumstances.” Kim was quoted as saying that maintaining and expanding a “strong and reliable nuclear deterrent” is a critical strategic priority for the country.

The missiles reportedly struck targets in waters east of North Korea at a distance of approximately 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), demonstrating both range and precision, according to the state media report.

The launch coincided with heightened regional diplomatic activity. On Sunday, South Korea’s military confirmed that North Korea had fired ballistic missiles toward the sea to its east, as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung began a state visit to china.

The test also came a day after North Korea issued a statement condemning recent US Airstrikes on Venezuela, calling them a violation of the South American nation’s sovereignty.

North Korea last conducted a hypersonic missile launch in October 2025, when weapons believed to be of the same class were displayed alongside a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade.

Hong Min, a North Korea expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, said in a note on Monday that the latest test appears to be a reaction to the US strikes on Venezuela and the broader international security environment.

Based on analysis of images released by North Korean state media, Hong said the missile tested appears to be the Hwasong-11, which was previously showcased during the October military parade.

By highlighting its ability to launch hypersonic missiles at any time, the North Korean regime is seeking to complicate US–South Korea missile defense systems and reduce the effectiveness of preemptive interception strategies, Hong added.