North Korea claimed that it successfully tested hypersonic missiles, the country's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Thursday.
The missiles were tested by North Korea's missile administration on Wednesday, KCNA said, adding that missiles were “launched northeastward from Ryokpho District in Pyongyang” and “struck their intended targets in the tableland of Kwesang Peak of Orang County, North Hamgyong Province.”
The report added that the weapon system is “part of the defense capability development program to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence against potential enemies."
The test was overseen by Pak Jong Chon, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, who, according to the report, emphasized that "our efforts are clearly focused on continuously advancing our war deterrent power, and that the purpose of this is to strengthen our self-defense.” He also praised scientists for “achieving rapid progress in the development of weapons systems possessing new strategic value.”
North Korea claims it launched ballistic missile ahead of South Korea summit
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not reported to have been present at the missile test.
The South Korean military said on Wednesday that it had detected the launch of several short-range ballistic missiles by North Korea the same day.
The launch comes ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to South Korea to attend an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum summit to be held in Gyeongju in southeastern South Korea from October 31