North Korea says it tested 'cutting-edge weapon system'

People watch a TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch at a train station in Seoul on Oct. 22, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - North Korea has successfully test-fired hypersonic projectiles, state media reported Thursday, calling them a "new weapon system."

The state-run [North] Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said "two hypersonic projectiles" were launched from areas near Pyongyang the previous day and "hit the target" in North Hamgyong Province.

"The new weapon system was tested as part of the defense capability development program to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence against potential enemies," KCNA added.

With the country's leader Kim Jong-un absent, key party official Pak Jong Chon, along with other senior military brass, observed the test. "The new cutting-edge weapon system is a clear proof of steadily upgrading self-defensive technical capabilities of the [North], adding that [its] activities are evidently aimed to continue to bolster up the war deterrent and their purpose is to strengthen self-defense," Pak said.

While details about the projectiles were not disclosed, they are presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV).

The North's announcement about the launch came a day after the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) here said it detected the missiles around 8:10 a.m., which flew about 350 kilometers after being launched from an area south of Pyongyang.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.