SEOUL: North Korea’s reclusive leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the Sunday test-firing of hypersonic missiles in a drill made necessary by “the recent geopolitical crisis,” state media quoted him as saying. The report Monday by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed and added details about North Korea’s first missile launch of 2026, including that it employed a “cutting-edge” new weapon system using hypersonic missiles first tested in October. Kim was not present for that launch, reports at the time said.

North Korea test-fires hypersonic missiles over the sea to enhance military deterrence amid rising geopolitical tensions, state media reports.

Kim underscores need to bolster N Korea's nuclear deterrent, citing 'recent geopolitical crisis', state media reports.