Silent strike: A hypersonic projectile being tested at an undisclosed location in North Korea. — AP
THE country said it has successfully tested “a new cutting-edge weapons system” involving hypersonic projectiles as part of a defence programme to enhance strategic deterrence against enemies.
Two hypersonic projectiles were launched from a region near the capital, Pyongyang, and hit a target inland in the country’s northeast, state news agency KCNA reported yesterday.
KCNA did not mention if North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was present for the test.
North Korea has been developing hypersonic missiles that are designed to manoeuvre and evade a target’s missile defences.
South Korea’s military said North Korea fired what appeared to be multiple short-range ballistic missiles, a week before a key Asia-Pacific leaders’ meeting in South Korea and US President Donald Trump’s expected visit, where he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
US Forces Korea said it was “fully aware” of North Korea’s missile launches.
“The United States condemns these unlawful and destabilising actions,” US Forces Korea said in a statement, calling on North Korea to refrain from further actions that would violate international sanctions. — Reuters
