By Blessing Nweke
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 intensifies weapons displays ahead of a major political conference.
The announcement came a day after South Korea and its neighbors reported detecting multiple ballistic missile launches and accused the North of fresh provocations. The tests were conducted just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping, where North Korea’s nuclear program is expected to feature prominently.
According to the official Korean Central News Agency, Sunday’s drill involved a hypersonic weapon system designed to assess combat readiness, sharpen missile troops’ operational skills and evaluate the effectiveness of the country’s overall war deterrent. Kim was quoted as calling the launch an important milestone for national defense and urging continuous upgrades to military capabilities, particularly offensive weapons systems.
A functioning hypersonic missile would significantly enhance North Korea’s ability to evade U.S. and South Korean missile defense networks because of its speed and maneuverability. While Pyongyang has conducted a series of related tests in recent years, foreign experts have questioned whether the missiles have consistently achieved the performance levels claimed by the North.
The latest test follows weeks of heightened military activity, including the launch of what North Korea described as long-range strategic cruise missiles, tests of new anti-air missiles, and the release of images suggesting progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine. Analysts say these moves are aimed at showcasing achievements in weapons development ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years.
Attention is focused on whether Kim will use the congress to outline a new approach to relations with the United States and potentially revive long-stalled negotiations. Lee’s office has said the South Korean leader will urge China, North Korea’s key ally, to play a constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea also condemned a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, calling it evidence of Washington’s “rogue and brutal nature.” Many experts believe such events reinforce Kim’s resolve to expand his nuclear arsenal, which he views as essential to regime survival amid what he describes as escalating geopolitical crises.
Original article
Comments