North Korea Tests New Hwasong-11Ma Hypersonic Missile

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   North Korea Tests Hwasong-11Ma Hypersonic Missile

   North Korea launched two ballistic missiles off its east coast within a three hour window. The state describes the new weapon system as an ultra-modern hypersonic missile. Official reports claim the test involves an upgraded rocket launcher system intended to cause an incurable headache for enemies. The specific model identified in reports is the Hwasong-11Ma.

   Why it matters

   Hypersonic weapons travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and can maneuver during flight. This capability makes them difficult for existing missile defense systems to intercept. North Korea continues to iterate its rocket launcher and missile technology to increase its strategic reach.

   What is confirmed

   • North Korea fired two ballistic missiles off its east coast in three hours.
   • North Korea tested a new weapon system described as hypersonic.
   • The North Korean government called the new missile ultra-modern.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The test involved an upgraded rocket launcher system according to KCNA.

   What to watch next

   • Technical analysis of the missile flight path and speed
   • Official reactions from South Korea and the United States
   • Further launches involving the upgraded rocket launcher system
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. CNN — North Korea fires two ballistic missiles off east coast in three hours
   2. AP News — North Korea touts new weapons system described as hypersonic
   3. NBC News — North Korea reports new missile test designed to give enemy ‘incurable headache’
   4. Space — Hypersonic weapon test? North Korea says it just launched a new 'ultra-modern' missile
   5. news.usni.org — North Korea Tests New Hypersonic Missile
   6. Reuters — North Korea conducted test of upgraded rocket launcher system, KCNA says
   7. TWZ — North Korea Tests New Hwasong-11Ma Hypersonic Missile
   confidence 85%