North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missile Flying 1,500 km at Mach 12

Jan 7, 2025, 08:56 AM

North Korea successfully tested a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile on January 6, according to state media KCNA. The missile reportedly traveled 1,500 kilometers at 12 times the speed of sound, reaching a maximum altitude of 99.8 kilometers, descending to a second peak of 42.5 kilometers before accurately striking a target in open waters. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test launch, pledging to accelerate the country's nuclear and missile capabilities to counter rivals in the Pacific region. However, South Korea's military questioned the claims, calling them a 'deception.'