DPRK tests an unknown ballistic missile
North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile that travelled about 1,100 km over the Sea of Japan, reaching an altitude of 100 km.
Here's What We Know
The launch, which took place on 6 January 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Korean time, has raised concerns among the international community about the possibility of a hypersonic missile test.
The missile was launched from the interior of the DPRK in a northeasterly direction. Japan, the United States and South Korea are now jointly analysing the flight characteristics. According to South Korea's Yonhap News, the flight profile and speed are significantly different from previous tests, which may indicate that the latest type of hypersonic weapon is being tested.
If confirmed, the launch will be a record-breaking one for DPRK hypersonic missiles in terms of range. Previous similar tests took place in January and April 2024.
This is the first ballistic missile launch in 2025. The last time North Korea tested a short-range missile was on 5 November 2024. The launches, according to Korean media, could be a political signal to the international community, including the United States, in response to the Trump administration's actions
Earlier, in October 2024, the DPRK successfully tested the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile, which spent a record 86 minutes in flight. This event caused a wave of concern in Washington and Seoul, especially in the context of growing military ties between North Korea and Russia.
The launch confirmed the DPRK's readiness to demonstrate its technological achievements, further complicating the situation in the region.
Source: Reuters
