China News Service, Beijing, April 3rd Pyongyang News: According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 3rd, North Korea successfully test-fired the "Hwasong Cannon-16B" medium- and long-range hypersonic ballistic missile on the 2nd. Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Council, directed the launch on site.
The Korean Central News Agency said that Kim Jong-un personally inspected a new medium- and long-range solid ballistic missile equipped with a hypersonic gliding warhead at the launch site on the 2nd, and learned more about the weapon system. Later, he listened to a report on the missile test launch plan at the command and surveillance post and issued the launch order.
KCNA said the test launch was aimed at proving the technical characteristics of the new missile and verifying the reliability of the weapon system. By limiting parameters such as missile range, speed and altitude, the flight trajectory characteristics and side maneuverability of the missile warhead are verified.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Jong-un was satisfied with the results of the test, saying that the birth of this "deterrent strategic attack weapon" demonstrated the absolute superiority of North Korea's national defense science and technology.
Kim Jong-un said that the Workers' Party of Korea will continue to accumulate self-defense forces more quickly and resolutely to safeguard national security, prosperity and future.
KCNA stressed that the test-launch did not have any negative impact on the security of neighboring countries.
According to media reports, North Korea tested a hypersonic missile for the first time in September 2021. On January 14, 2024, North Korea successfully test-launched a medium- and long-range solid-fuel ballistic missile equipped with a hypersonic mobile warhead. On March 19, North Korea successfully conducted an above-ground ignition test of the solid fuel engine of its new medium- and long-range hypersonic missile. (over)