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North Korea Unveils New 'Hypersonic' Weapon, Kim Jong Un Warns Enemies
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CNBC TV18•22-09-2026, 08:59
North Korea Unveils New 'Hypersonic' Weapon, Kim Jong Un Warns Enemies
- •North Korea announced new missile tests involved a weapon system of "great significance," with photos suggesting a previously described hypersonic missile.
- •Kim Jong Un, observing the tests with his daughter, stated the weapon would strengthen war readiness and give enemies an "incurable headache."
- •South Korea detected two short-range missiles fired Sunday, flying 450 and 600 kilometers towards the sea, landing outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
- •The launches are part of ongoing military displays by Kim, who continues to flaunt his growing nuclear program despite US calls for diplomacy.
- •Experts suggest Kim, emboldened by his nuclear arsenal and ties with Russia and China, believes he has greater leverage for renewed diplomacy with the US.
Key Questions Answered
North Korea tested a new weapons system described as hypersonic involving missiles identified as the Hwasong-11Ma, which are designed to travel at more than five times the speed of sound to evade regional missile defences.
South Korea's military detected North Korea firing two short-range missiles three hours apart that flew 450 and 600 kilometres toward the sea, while Japan reported that the missiles landed in waters outside its exclusive economic zone.
North Korea stated that Washington must first drop its hostile policy—referring to US-led sanctions and joint military drills—and abandon demands for the country's denuclearisation as a precondition for talks.
