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7 clusters · 161 sources · 22 days · First seen · Last updated

North and South Korean hypersonic missile testing

Overview

Following the September 20, 2026, test of the ‘Hwasongpho-11Ma-1’ combat weapon system, North Korea has expanded its series of advanced weapons tests. Kim Jong Un, accompanied by Kim Ju Ae, characterized the development as an ‘unstoppable force’ and an ‘unavoidable blow’ to enemies. On September 22, Pyongyang tested a modernized 240mm multiple rocket launcher system featuring an autonomous precision guidance system. This testing is part of a five-year plan to modernize artillery and missile forces, directed by Ko Pyong-hyon and supervised by Pak Jong-chon. On October 3, 2026, Kim Jong Un observed the launch of an intermediate-range strategic missile from the Wonsan area. State media described the launch as a test of a hypersonic strategic weapon system utilizing artificial intelligence to adjust its flight trajectory. While Pyongyang reported a range of 1,000 km, South Korean and Japanese authorities estimated distances of over 700 km and 680 km, respectively. Experts suggest the projectile may be a Hwasong-16 Na hypersonic ballistic missile. Kim Yo Jong claimed the trajectory makes it ‘virtually impossible to avoid an attack’. In response, South Korea successfully conducted its first flight test of a domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) on October 8, 2026, at the Anheung Comprehensive Test Site. The HGV, which reached speeds exceeding Mach 5, was observed by President Lee Jae Myung. On October 13, North Korean Missile Administration head Jang Chang Ha questioned the validity of the South Korean test, noting a lack of visible heat damage, though Seoul countered that heat-resistant materials were used. On October 29, North Korea held the ‘Unmanned Aerial Technology Development 2026’ exhibition. Attended by Kim Jong Un, the event showcased strategic and tactical multi-purpose drones, suicide attack UAVs, and cruise missiles, which state media claimed achieved a ‘100% accuracy rate’ against island targets.

Entities

North Korea · South Korea · KCNA · Kim Jong Un · Agency for Defense Development

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    North Korea tests upgraded tactical ballistic missile

    North Korea successfully tested a tactical ballistic missile with upgraded components, while its missile chief questioned the validity of South Korea's recent hypersonic glide vehicle test.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    South Korea successfully tests domestic hypersonic glide vehicle

    South Korea successfully tested its first domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle, reaching speeds above Mach 5 to enhance its strategic defense and precision strike capabilities.

  3. [INTERNATIONAL] 14 sources
    South Korea tests first domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle

    South Korea successfully flight-tested its first domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle, designed to fly at five times the speed of sound to evade defense systems and strike strategic targets.

  4. [INTERNATIONAL] 77 sources
    North Korea tests hypersonic intermediate-range missile

    North Korea tested an intermediate-range hypersonic missile supervised by Kim Jong Un. Pyongyang claims the AI-equipped missile hit a target 1,000km away, while Seoul and Tokyo report shorter flight distances.

  5. [INTERNATIONAL] 27 sources
    North Korea tests upgraded 240mm rocket launcher and hypersonic missile

    North Korea tested an upgraded 240mm multiple rocket launcher and a hypersonic glide vehicle system, enhancing its precision strike capabilities along the southern border toward South Korea.

  6. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    North Korea tests hypersonic missile as Seoul halts sanctions relief

    North Korea has tested a new hypersonic missile while South Korea reversed plans to ease sanctions following pressure from the United States, heightening regional tensions.

  7. [INTERNATIONAL] 64 sources
    North Korea tests new weapon system under Kim Jong Un's supervision

    North Korea successfully tested a new weapon system, likely a hypersonic missile, under the supervision of Kim Jong Un and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, marking a significant step in military modernization.

Sources

24.hu · 24hod.sk · 24ur.com · 360stepeni.mk · 444.hu · aeiou.pt · agniban.com · aksiyon.com.tr · albiladpress.com · arabnews.jp · arabnews.pk · asiapacificsecuritymagazine.com · askanews.it · bhaskarhindi.com · bhaskarlive.in · bigportal.ba · biz.heraldcorp.com · businessam.be · canaledieci.it · capital.fr · capital.pe · cmjornal.pt · communitynews.com.au · correiodamanha.pt · correiodamanhacanada.com · cosmoschronicle.com · dailymeezan.com · de.euronews.com · defence24.pl · delo.si · devdiscourse.com · diarioestrategia.cl · diariosocialista.net · disabledperson.com · elbalad.news · elbuentono.com.mx · elnacional.com.py · eluniverso.com · en.baoquocte.vn · english.hani.co.kr · english.mathrubhumi.com · es.euronews.com · euronews.com · europesays.com · eventbrite.co.uk · fakti.bg · fr.businessam.be · french.almanar.com.lb

This summary has been updated 21 times: see revision history