North Korea announced on Monday that it had successfully test-fired a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) equipped with a hypersonic warhead. The test, conducted on the previous day, aimed to verify the gliding and maneuvering capabilities of the warhead, along with assessing the reliability of newly developed multi-stage high-thrust solid-fuel engines.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the missile's flight distance, time, and other specific details were not disclosed. The Missile General Bureau stated that the test was part of their regular activities for developing powerful weapon systems and emphasized that it did not pose a threat to the security of neighboring countries or the regional situation.
South Korea's military reported detecting the launch from an area in or around Pyongyang at approximately 2:55 p.m., with the missile traveling approximately 1,000 km before splashing into the sea. This test marks North Korea's first missile launch since the firing of a solid-fuel Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile on December 18. The development underscores ongoing concerns about North Korea's missile capabilities and their impact on regional security.
(With Agency Inputs)
