North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who personally oversaw the launch on January 6, said: “This reliable hypersonic missile system will restrain any adversary in the Pacific region and firmly protect our national security.”
According to KCNA, the new missile system uses a special carbon fiber compound in its engine, which experts say could help North Korean missiles reach farther targets. This technology is currently only possessed by Russia, China and the United States.
KCNA also revealed that the launch used a completely new flight control and guidance method, described as “comprehensive and effective”.
The test missile is believed to have traveled 1,500km at 12 times the speed of sound before falling into the sea. This is greater than the South Korean military's estimate of 1,100km.
“This is clearly a defensive plan, not an offensive action,” Kim Jong-un stressed. However, he also stated that the missile’s performance “cannot be underestimated globally” as it is capable of “causing serious military strikes that can penetrate any dense defense barrier.”
Kim Jong-un also affirmed that North Korea will continue to accelerate the development of its defense capabilities, with the goal of becoming a military power. According to analysts, this missile launch is a clear message to parties wanting to talk to North Korea: Any negotiations must recognize the country's new strategic status.
“This hypersonic missile technology is currently only possessed by Russia, China and the United States,” said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. “It is worth noting that to achieve such speeds, materials that can withstand extremely harsh conditions need to be used.”
If successful, the new technology could help North Korea extend its range to 3,000 to 5,000km, threatening not only military forces in Japan but also targets further afield.
