North Korea: Pyongyang claims to have tested an intermediate-range hypersonic missile

North Korea conducted a successful test of a new intermediate-range “hypersonic” ballistic missile on Tuesday April 2. This new solid fuel weapon adds to the regime's impressive nuclear arsenal. The missile fire caused a reaction in the south of the peninsula where legislative elections are to be held next week. South Korea, the United States and Japan responded with air exercises involving the American B 52, a nuclear-capable bomber. But what does this new North Korean weapon really change?

Missile launch, as state media reports that North Korea tested a new medium-to-long-range solid-fueled hypersonic missile, at an unknown location in North Korea, April 2, 2024. Photo released on April 3, 2024 by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). via REUTERS - KCNA

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With our correspondent in Seoul,

Nicolas Rocca

Kim Jong-un's presence at a missile test is often indicative of the significance of the event in

North Korea

. State media staged the firing of this new Hwasong 16-B, a solid-fuel hypersonic missile. Two characteristics that could disrupt American and South Korean anti-missile defense systems.

A hypersonic missile is more difficult to intercept because it is maneuverable, while solid propellant allows faster deployment. This innovation means, according to the North Korean leader, that all of the regime's “

tactical, operational and strategic missiles of different ranges

” can be equipped with these capabilities with a maneuverable nuclear warhead.

Read alsoRussia blocks the extension of the mandate of UN experts responsible for monitoring sanctions against North Korea

Exaggerated estimates?

But as is often the case with Pyongyang, caution is required. The capabilities of the new Hwasong 16-B are debated. Seoul and Tokyo estimate that the missile flew for around 600 km, while North Korea speaks of a “

range limited to 1,000 km for safety reasons 

”.

It is difficult to determine whether the North Korean estimates are exaggerated or whether the Allies' tracking of the projectile was disrupted by the change in direction of the missile. The only way to know its true capabilities would be to launch at maximum range, which means flying over Japan and significantly escalating regional tensions.

Read alsoNorth Korea: for the Japanese Prime Minister, it is “important” to have discussions with Pyongyang

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