(CLO) North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) into the Sea of Japan at noon on January 6, marking its first test since November 2024.
The launch took place at 12:00 p.m. local time, with the missile flying 1,100 kilometers and reaching a maximum altitude of 100 kilometers before falling into the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Japan also confirmed the data, saying the missile flew for about 11 minutes.
A hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile is launched in North Korea. Photo: KCNA
The JCS identified it as an IRBM, likely a new type of solid-fuel missile equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) or a maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV). This type of weapon offers high maneuverability, evades missile defense systems, and is easier to deploy than traditional liquid-fueled missiles.
The missile test marks a return to public military activity from North Korea after nearly two months of silence. Analysts say the move could be linked to strategic decisions at a party plenary meeting in late 2024, where leader Kim Jong Un called for a rapid acceleration of weapons development.
2025 is the final year of North Korea’s five-year military development plan. Focusing on deploying solid-fuel missiles, multi-purpose warhead technology, and nuclear submarines are top priorities. The test on January 6 could be a stepping stone for Pyongyang to perfect these strategic weapons systems.
The move coincided with a visit to Seoul by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Secretary Blinken said the missile test underscored the need for increased cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan. He proposed expanding real-time missile data sharing and holding more trilateral military exercises.
Ngoc Anh (according to NK News, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trieu-tien-thu-ten-lua-dan-dao-tam-trung-dau-tien-sau-hai-thang-post329202.html
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