North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of advanced hypersonic missiles on Sunday, state media reported Monday, highlighting Pyongyang’s efforts to ready its nuclear forces for potential conflict. The test comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and follows a dramatic weekend involving North Korea’s socialist ally, Venezuela.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the launch was prompted by a “recent geopolitical crisis,” a thinly veiled reference to U.S. operations in Venezuela. On Sunday, North Korea condemned Washington’s actions there as “the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty,” calling the incident “another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the United States,” citing a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry.
Seoul and Tokyo confirmed the launch of two ballistic missiles from near Pyongyang on Sunday, marking North Korea’s first weapons test of the year. The launch occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for Beijing, where he is expected to hold a high-level summit with Chinese leaders. Lee has stated that he aims to leverage China’s influence over Pyongyang to improve inter-Korean relations.
KCNA quoted Kim Jong Un as saying the test demonstrated “the readiness of the DPRK’s nuclear forces.” According to the report, the country has achieved “important progress in putting our nuclear forces on a practical basis and preparing them for an actual war.” Kim added that the launch was part of efforts to enhance the “nuclear war deterrent on a high-developed basis.”
“Why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events,” KCNA cited Kim, directly linking the operation to Washington’s weekend capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which Pyongyang views as a potential blueprint for foreign interference in allied regimes.
North Korea has long framed its nuclear and missile programs as a shield against U.S. attempts at regime change, citing decades of hostile policies and military threats from Washington. The recent test underscores Pyongyang’s commitment to advancing its strategic capabilities despite international condemnation and sanctions.
The hypersonic missile system tested on Sunday was first trialed in October 2025. Hypersonic weapons are capable of traveling more than five times the speed of sound and can manoeuvre mid-flight, making them far more difficult for conventional missile defense systems to intercept. Analysts say such weapons significantly enhance North Korea’s ability to threaten distant targets with precision, further complicating the security calculus in East Asia.
Hypersonic missiles have already been used with devastating effect this year in other conflict zones. Russia deployed them against urban areas in Ukraine, while Iran reportedly employed similar systems in attacks on Israel. Pyongyang’s growing arsenal signals its intent to keep pace with these technological advancements while maintaining strategic ties with both Moscow and Tehran.
Regional security experts warn that the test, coming on the eve of Lee Jae Myung’s Beijing visit, could complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at curbing North Korea’s weapons programs. “This is a clear signal that Pyongyang is doubling down on its military modernization while sending a message to Washington and its allies,” said a Seoul-based defense analyst.
The demonstration also highlights Pyongyang’s increasing reliance on advanced missile technologies to project power and secure its regime. As tensions mount across multiple geopolitical flashpoints, the launch is likely to draw swift condemnation from Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo, while reinforcing North Korea’s narrative of self-reliance in the face of perceived external threats.
With the year’s first missile test now complete, analysts say attention will turn to how China and other regional players respond, and whether renewed diplomacy with Pyongyang can prevent further escalation.
