North Korea tests new hypersonic missiles signaling strategic weapons expansion.

North Korea said on October 23, 2025, it successfully tested a new hypersonic missile system, launching two projectiles from near Pyongyang toward targets in the country’s northeast. The test underscores Pyongyang’s continued push to strengthen its long-range strike capabilities amid heightened regional tension.

North Korea announced on October 23, 2025, through its state media KCNA that it had carried out a successful test of a new hypersonic weapons system, a development expected to draw close scrutiny from Washington and its allies. According to the Korean Central News Agency, two missiles were launched from an area near Pyongyang and accurately struck pre-designated targets in the country’s northeast. Though leader Kim Jong Un was not reported to be present, defense analysts said the trial appears to mark a technical validation step in North Korea’s broader missile modernization effort.
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Image released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows a hypersonic missile being launched from a site near Pyongyang during a test conducted as part of North Korea’s strategic weapons development program. (Picture source: Via JosephHDempsey X account)

The test underscores North Korea’s continued investment in next-generation missile technologies designed to overcome advanced air and missile defense systems deployed by the United States, South Korea, and Japan. Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5 while performing unpredictable maneuvers, pose a formidable challenge to interception systems such as the U.S. THAAD, Aegis, and Patriot PAC-3. By incorporating hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) technology into its missile arsenal, Pyongyang aims to significantly enhance its ability to deliver precise and survivable strikes against high-value targets.

North Korea’s pursuit of hypersonic missile capability has accelerated since 2021, when it first unveiled the Hwasong-8 equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle. This system was followed by tests in 2022 and 2023 of improved designs, including what analysts described as the Hwasong-16B and Hwasong-18 variants, which may incorporate solid-fuel propulsion for faster launch readiness and enhanced maneuverability. The regime has also hinted at integrating these technologies into medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missile platforms to expand their operational reach. Satellite imagery and state media releases have shown evidence of continued testing at key sites near Pyongyang and on the country’s east coast, indicating sustained efforts to mature both launch vehicle and guidance technologies.

This latest launch appears to build upon those developments, suggesting that Pyongyang is refining its glide vehicle design and reentry performance. The use of dual missile launches may also indicate testing of coordinated targeting or salvo-launch capabilities, which could overwhelm regional missile defense systems during a real-world engagement scenario. Defense analysts believe the test likely involved an upgraded version of the previous hypersonic missiles, focusing on improved flight stability, range, and guidance accuracy.

The timing of the test coincides with renewed regional tensions following recent joint military exercises involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan. Pyongyang has repeatedly condemned these drills as hostile acts, vowing to strengthen its strategic deterrent in response. The development of hypersonic missiles serves not only as a demonstration of technical progress but also as a political signal of defiance amid mounting international pressure.

If North Korea can operationalize its hypersonic missile systems, it would represent a major leap in its missile technology portfolio, giving it the capability to strike regional targets with minimal warning and reduced interception risk. Such advancements could compel neighboring countries to accelerate their own defense modernization programs, particularly in early-warning radar, integrated air defense networks, and missile interception capabilities.

Experts from Army Recognition assess that the absence of Kim Jong Un at this event could indicate that North Korea’s hypersonic program is now entering a mature testing phase, possibly nearing readiness for limited deployment within the Korean People’s Army Strategic Forces. The technical phrasing used by KCNA—referring to “cutting-edge” systems—suggests iterative refinements rather than a wholly new missile class, pointing to continued work on propulsion and control systems.

The test reaffirms Pyongyang’s determination to maintain technological parity with regional powers and to establish a credible deterrent posture capable of countering U.S. strategic assets in Northeast Asia. As North Korea accelerates its missile programs, defense analysts expect to see further trials of maneuverable reentry vehicles, advanced warhead integration, and possible solid-fuel engine testing in the months ahead.

Regional defense authorities, including South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff and Japan’s Defense Ministry, are closely analyzing flight data to assess the technical parameters of the launch. While official reactions have been muted so far, both Seoul and Tokyo are expected to review their respective missile defense readiness levels in light of this latest development.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.