North Korea Tests Hypersonic  01/05 06:21

   

   SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- North Korea said Monday that leader Kim Jong Un 
observed test-flights of hypersonic missiles and underscored the need to 
bolster the country's nuclear war deterrent, as the country dials up weapons 
displays ahead of its major political conference.

   North Korea reported on the drill a day after its neighbors said they 
detected multiple ballistic missile launches and accused the North of carrying 
out provocations. The tests came just hours before South Korean President Lee 
Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping.

   The official Korean Central News Agency said Sunday's drill involving a 
hypersonic weapon system was meant to examine its readiness, enhance missile 
troops' firepower operational skills and evaluate operational capabilities of 
the country's war deterrent.

   "Through today's launching drill, we can confirm that a very important 
technology task for national defense has been carried out," Kim said, according 
to KCNA. "We must continuously upgrade the military means, especially offensive 
weapon systems."

   The possession of a functioning hypersonic weapon would give North Korea an 
ability to penetrate the U.S. and South Korea's missile defense shields. In 
past years, North Korea has performed a series of tests to acquire it, but many 
foreign experts question whether the tested missiles have achieved their 
desired speed and maneuverability during flights.

   In recent weeks, North Korea test-fired what it called long-range strategic 
cruise missiles and new anti-air missiles and released photos showing apparent 
progress in the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine.

   Observers say North Korea aims to demonstrate or review its achievements on 
the weapons development sector ahead of the ruling Workers' Party congress, the 
first of its kind in five years. Keen attention is on whether Kim would use the 
congress to set a new approach on relations with the U.S. and resume 
long-dormant talks.

   North Korea's nuclear program is expected to be discussed when Lee and Xi 
meet for a summit later Monday. Lee's office earlier said he would call for 
China, North Korea's major ally and economic pipeline take "a constructive 
role" in efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

   The latest launches followed Saturday's audacious U.S. military operation 
that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicols Maduro from power and brought him to the 
U.S. to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. North Korea slammed the 
operation, saying it again shows "the rogue and brutal nature of the U.S."

   Many experts say the U.S. operation likely leave Kim pushing to further 
expand his nuclear weapons capabilities that he thinks guarantees the survival 
of his government and state sovereignty in the face of U.S.-led hostilities.

   During Sunday's launch drill, Kim defended his push for a stronger nuclear 
program. "Why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis 
and complicated international events," he said.