North Korea's new hypersonic missile test underlines its technological edge

According to information provided by North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, the country successfully tested a new type of solid-fuel, medium-range ballistic missile. The test, conducted in the early hours of Wednesday morning GMT, was directly supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Information about North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan emerged on Tuesday morning, originating from South Korean military sources. The Japanese Coast Guard confirmed these reports, announcing that the missile travelled a distance of about 600 kilometres before falling into the sea.

KCNA reported that the test involved a "new type of hypersonic missile of medium-range" named Hwasongpho-16B. The trial aimed to check the technical parameters of this weapon and its reliability.

Kim Jong Un, who personally observed the missile launch, expressed "great satisfaction" with the conducted trial. The North Korean leader announced that "another powerful offensive weapon" shows the "absolute advantage of our science and technology" - reports the North Korean news agency.

Kim Jong Un emphasized that expanding missile forces aims to ensure the ability to deliver "quick, precise, and powerful strikes on any target on the enemy's side anywhere in the world." He added that the most important task is "to develop overwhelming power capable of deterring and controlling our enemies" - sources from KCNA quote.

In recent months, there has been high tension on the Korean Peninsula. Kim Jong Un formally rejected the idea of unifying the Korean states, calling South Korea an enemy. Some commentators say this marks the beginning of a new, dangerous stage in relations between these two conflicted countries.

Experts believe that Kim Jong Un is emboldened by the advancements his country has made in its nuclear and missile programs. Developing military cooperation with the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin also contributes to his confidence.