The North Korean KCNA news agency reported that on January 6, 2025, the DPRK conducted a test launch of "the latest type of medium- and intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile." In fact, a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) equipped with a hypersonic warhead was launched. The type of missile has not been officially named, however, presumably, the second flight test of the Hwasongpo-16na solid-fuel MRB (화성포-16나, Hwasong-16B), equipped with a hypersonic gliding warhead, possibly in a modified version, took place. The first test launch of this rocket was carried out on April 2, 2024.
On January 6, 2025, the rocket, like the previous one, was also launched from a seven-axle self-propelled wheeled launcher transporter from the Pyongyang area. According to official North Korean data, its hypersonic gliding combat unit reached a maximum altitude of first 99.8 km, and then 42.5 km, and fell in a given area of the Sea of Japan at a distance of 1,500 km (the Japanese Ministry of Defense reported a fall distance of 1,100 km).
Test launch of a new North Korean medium-range solid-fuel ballistic missile with a hypersonic gliding warhead, 01/06/2025 (c) KCNA
The KCNA message read:
Pyongyang, January 7. KCNA/- On January 6, the DPRK General Directorate of Rocket Science successfully test-launched the latest type of medium- and intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile.
On the spot, the head of the Main Directorate of Rocket Engineering of the DPRK, Army General Chang Chang Ha, and responsible employees of scientific research institutions in the field of defense supervised the test launch.
The Secretary General of the WPK, Chairman of the State Affairs of the DPRK, respected Comrade Kim Jong-un, watched the test in a video link format.
The testing of a new strategic weapons system is one of the links in the defense capability development plan aimed at increasing the duration and effectiveness of strategic deterrence of potential adversaries in accordance with the changing security situation in the region.
A new carbon fiber-reinforced composite material was used to manufacture the engine body of the latest type of hypersonic missile, and a new integrated and efficient method based on already mastered technologies was also introduced into the flight control and guidance system.
Comrade Kim Jong-un, expressing great satisfaction with the result of the test launch, noted the following about the new weapon system.
The current test launch undoubtedly testified that, in response to various threats posed by hostile forces against the security of our State at the present time, we are continuously updating powerful weapons systems of the latest type, including medium- and intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missiles.
There are probably only a few countries with such a weapon system on a global scale.
Just like the aspiring goal of all military powers, the main goal of our development of the latest hypersonic missile is to continuously strengthen the state's nuclear war deterrence forces at a high level, putting on the pivotal axis of strategic deterrence a means to change the situation on the battlefield, that is, a weapon system that no one can rely on. react.
This is obviously an intention and effort for self-defense, not an idea and action of an offensive nature.
As the result of today's test shows, the effectiveness of the missile system has been confirmed, perfectly equipped with combat capability, which we assumed.
No one in the world can ignore the capabilities of our system of the latest type of medium- and intermediate-range hypersonic missiles; it is capable of delivering a serious military strike against opponents, effectively overcoming any dense wall of defense.
Through this test of strategic weapons, we have demonstrated the potential and pace of development of our inexhaustible own technical forces in the field of defense, sufficient to counter any future threats. We have also clearly shown our opponents what we are doing to protect our legitimate interests, and that we are fully prepared to use any means to do so.
The hypersonic missile system will reliably deter any opponents in the Pacific region who may influence the security of our state.
We have acquired by no means an easy technical potential.
This is a notable success and one special event in strengthening self-defense power, which can be quite proud of.
I would like to express my gratitude to all the researchers, technicians and working groups of military-industrial enterprises who have contributed to the successful development of the latest type of strategic weapons.
The hypersonic glider is the warhead of a missile launched from a test site in the vicinity of Pyongyang in the northeast direction, at a speed 12 times faster than sound, flew along the intended flight path, reaching the first maximum altitude of 99.8 km and the second maximum altitude of 42.5 km, and accurately hit the target area in open waters at a distance of 1,500 km.
The test launch had no negative impact on the safety of the surrounding countries.
The development of the DPRK's defense capability, which has set itself the goal of a military power, will accelerate.
Photo (from) KCNA (via imp_navigator, link ):
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