North Korea tests new hypersonic missile claiming to deter regional rivals

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un announced the successful test of a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile. He stated that this weapon can effectively deter regional rivals, specifically mentioning the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. The missile reportedly flew at 12 times the speed of sound for 1,500 kilometers before hitting a target. This claim differs from reports by Japan and South Korea, which indicated a distance of 1,100 kilometers. The development raises concerns for Japan, as North Korea asserts the missile can penetrate dense defensive systems. This marks a significant advancement in North Korea's military capabilities.