Did North Korea actually launch hypersonic missile amid preparation to confront South Korea?.

On January 15, 2024, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to amend the country's constitution, designating South Korea as its main enemy and severing bilateral relations, Fabrice Wolf in Meta Defense. This announcement followed the test firing of a hypersonic missile, suggesting a significant escalation in tensions between the two Koreas.
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Image released by KCNA, the North Korean news agency, to illustrate the test firing of a solid-fuel IRBM (intermediate range) missile capped with a hypersonic glider on January 14, 2024 (Picture source: KCNA)

The preceding day, North Korea claimed to have successfully launched an intermediate-range solid-fuel ballistic missile equipped with a hypersonic glider. While these claims are subject to verification, they indicate North Korea's continued efforts to enhance its military capabilities and project strength.

Since the Korean War's conclusion in 1953, North Korea has frequently threatened military confrontation with South Korea and the United States. These threats often serve as a distraction from the country's economic challenges and are used to bolster domestic support.

Recent military drills near South Korean islands have further heightened tensions in the region. Kim Jong Un's declaration regarding constitutional amendments reflects a strategic shift aimed at addressing perceived international threats, particularly from South Korea.

The utilization of solid-fuel missile technology enables rapid deployment, reducing vulnerability to preemptive strikes. Additionally, the incorporation of a hypersonic glider enhances the missile's maneuverability and speed, posing challenges for existing anti-ballistic systems.

Kim Jong Un's announcement aims to undermine South Korea's defense strategy, particularly its three-axis doctrine, which outlines preemptive strike capabilities. By showcasing advanced missile technologies, North Korea seeks to diminish the feasibility of interception and complicate South Korea's defensive capabilities against potential preemptive strikes.

Overall, Kim Jong Un's announcement signals a significant escalation in tensions between North and South Korea, with potential implications for regional security dynamics.

Defense News February 2024