Kim Jong Un Oversees Hypersonic Missile Launch Toward Sea of Japan

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of an intermediate-range strategic missile that flew about 1,000 kilometers before hitting a target in the Sea of Japan, state media reported on Sunday. The missile was fired at dawn on Saturday, October 3, from an eastern region of the country, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Key Facts at a Glance

• The intermediate-range strategic missile was launched from eastern North Korea at dawn on Saturday, October 3.
• It flew about 1,000 kilometers before striking a designated target in waters off the country's east coast.
• Photographs published by the ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun showed Kim Jong Un observing the launch alongside his daughter Ju-ae and his wife Ri Sol-ju.
• South Korean experts believe the missile was likely the Hwasong-16, a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile with a hypersonic warhead.

A Display of the "Hypersonic Strategic Weapon System"

Sunday's edition of Rodong Sinmun carried photographs that it says show Kim overseeing the launch of the missile from an eastern region of the country. KCNA said the drill was intended to train the missile troops operating the country's "hypersonic strategic weapon system" and to assess the reliability, efficiency and mobility of North Korea's war deterrent.

Kim Jong Un's Message

Kim stressed that it is very important for national security to build up the nuclear deterrent and to show that the army's counterattack means are in a constant mobilization posture.

"We must continue our responsible efforts nonstop to constantly and repeatedly make the enemy recognize the reliability and fatality of our strategic offensive means," Kim was quoted as saying by KCNA. "This is a form of exercising deterrent," he added, describing such launches as part of efforts to more rapidly develop the country's nuclear war deterrent.

Claims of AI and a Changing Flight Orbit

Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, claimed through state-run media on Saturday that the missile is capable of changing its flight orbit and that artificial intelligence has been introduced into it.

Experts Point to the Hwasong-16

South Korean media reported that experts believe the launched missile was likely the Hwasong-16, which is said to be a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile with a hypersonic warhead. According to the same reports, the missile could have the range to reach the US military base in Guam.

Continued Testing of Hypersonic Weapons

The launch sent a missile flying toward the Sea of Japan, where it ultimately struck a target in the sea, and represents the latest step in Pyongyang's continued testing of hypersonic weapons as it works to strengthen what it describes as its nuclear war deterrent.