# North Korean missile testing and diplomatic tensions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-korean-missile-testing-and-diplomatic-tensions > Updated: 2026-09-22T12:27:22.000Z. Sources: 88. Developments: 3. Following the September 20, 2026, test of the ‘Hwasongpho-11Ma-1’ combat weapon system, North Korea has expanded its series of advanced weapons tests. On September 22, Pyongyang tested a modernized 240mm multiple rocket launcher system featuring an autonomous precision guidance system. State media reported these rockets can reach ranges of 100 kilometers in ballistic flight mode and up to 115 kilometers in a combined glide mode. This testing is part of a five-year plan to modernize artillery and missile forces, directed by Ko Pyong-hyon and supervised by high-ranking officials including Pak Jong-chon. Pak, the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized the necessity of concentrating lethal and destructive attack forces along the southern border to modernize long-range strike capabilities. Analysts suggest the increased range and precision of these systems could allow North Korea to target key facilities within the Seoul metropolitan area with high accuracy, potentially serving as a psychological tool to increase regional insecurity. Experts further note that these developments could extend the reach of North Korean artillery to include major U.S. military bases in South Korea. Further details emerged regarding the Hwasong-11Ma-1, which is described as an evolution of the KN-23 design. The system utilizes a hypersonic glide vehicle intended to evade air defenses by maneuvering during its terminal flight phase rather than following a predictable trajectory. Discrepancies in launch data persist between Pyongyang and regional monitors. While North Korean data previously indicated a range of 908.2 kilometers for its missile tests, South Korean and Japanese authorities have reported detecting short-range ballistic missile launches from the North Korean coast with projectiles traveling between 440 and 600 kilometers. ## Claims - South Korea reported the launch of two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea. (disputed by 24 sources) - North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea earlier this week. (disputed by 12 sources) - The South Korean military detected several rocket launches from the North Pyongan area toward the West Sea on September 22. (disputed by 2 sources) - The missile bureau successfully conducted a test of a new weapon system on Sunday. (corroborated by 35 sources) - Kim Jong Un described the test as a demonstration of ultra-modern defense technology and progress in military modernization. (corroborated by 34 sources) - Kim Jong Un stated the new weapon would give enemies an ‘incurable headache’. (corroborated by 16 sources) - North Korea conducted tests of an upgraded 240mm multiple rocket launcher system on September 22, 2026. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The rockets can reach 100 km in ballistic flight mode and 115 km in combined glide mode. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Pak Jong-chon stressed the need to concentrate the deadliest and most destructive attack forces on the southern border. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The rockets feature an autonomous precision guidance system. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Visuals from the test showed a screen displaying the ‘Hwasongpho-11Ma-1’ flight trajectory. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Analysts suggest the missile may be an upgraded short-range ballistic missile featuring a hypersonic glide vehicle. (corroborated by 12 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: 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. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-korea-tests-upgraded-240mm-multiple-rocket-launcher-shells ### 2026-09-22: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-korea-tests-hypersonic-missile-as-seoul-halts-sanctions-relief ### 2026-09-21: 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. 64 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-korea-announces-successful-test-of-new-weapons-system --- Cite as: North Korean missile testing and diplomatic tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-korean-missile-testing-and-diplomatic-tensions