Defense News, North Korea :- North Korea announced on Monday that it successfully tested a powerful new missile. This missile is not like regular ones; it's a special kind called a hypersonic missile. The United States, China, Russia, and other countries are also working hard to make similar super-fast missiles.
How Hypersonic Missiles Work:
These special missiles launch a warhead that travels more than five times faster than the speed of sound, around 6,200 km per hour. They can also move at low altitudes. Even though they are called hypersonic because of their speed, experts say what makes them special is how they can change direction while flying.
In 2021, North Korea tested its first hypersonic missile with a glider-shaped warhead. In 2022, they used a maneuverable ballistic missile warhead. The latest test on Sunday aimed to check new engines and a warhead that can move around a lot.
Why Hypersonic Missiles Matter:
Countries like China, Russia, and the United States are in a race to develop these advanced missiles. The main goal is to create rockets that are tough to detect and stop. Hypersonic missiles can fly in a way that makes it hard for defenses to predict and intercept them.
Who's Leading the Race:
China and Russia have made successful tests. China launched a rocket with a hypersonic vehicle that circled the Earth in 2021. Russia tested a hypersonic cruise missile called Tsirkon. The United States tested an air-breathing hypersonic weapon in 2021.
North Korea's Hypersonic Goal:
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, made it a priority to develop hypersonic weapons in 2021. The country fired its first hypersonic missile in September that year. The recent test is their first missile with a solid fuel system, making it quicker to launch.
Why It Matters for North Korea:
North Korea wants to have these advanced missiles to strengthen its defense. Hypersonic missiles could be useful to hit faraway places like Guam without being stopped by U.S. defenses.
In conclusion, North Korea is actively working to join the race for faster and more advanced missiles, keeping up with major military powers around the world.
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