Video released

North Korea successfully tests hypersonic missile

(Bild: kameraOne)

North Korea released video footage of a missile test (video above) on Tuesday and described it as successful. South Korea had already reported the test of the hypersonic medium-range missile on Monday. North Korea carried out numerous missile tests last year.

The "hypersonic missile" fired on Monday reached an altitude of just under 100 kilometers and a range of 1,500 kilometers, the state news agency KCNA reported. "The development of new types of hypersonic missiles is mainly aimed at putting the country's nuclear war deterrent on an advanced footing," North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was quoted as saying.

Kim wants to expand nuclear missile stockpile
Hypersonic missiles are considered particularly dangerous as they are especially difficult to intercept by conventional missile defense systems due to their high speed and maneuverability. Kim had long-range missiles tested several times last year and announced his intention to expand his stock of nuclear missiles.

(Bild: kameraOne)

North Korea could exploit power vacuum in Seoul
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently visiting the region and met with his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae Yeol on Monday, among others. South Korea is in a state crisis following the suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Experts have repeatedly warned of the danger that North Korea could exploit the power vacuum in Seoul.

North Korea is prohibited by UN resolutions from launching ballistic missiles of any range. Depending on the design, such missiles can also be equipped with a nuclear warhead. Despite international sanctions, the largely isolated country continues to test nuclear-capable missiles.