North Korea confirms hypersonic weapon testing as 'clear proof' of upgrading its self-defense capabilities

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - North Korea confirmed Thursday that a hypersonic weapon test it conducted the previous day was "clear proof” that it is steadily upgrading its self-defensive technical capabilities.

The test, conducted by the Missile Administration of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, was overseen by Pak Jong Chon, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), Kim Jong Sik, first vice department director of the WPK Central Committee, and Jang Chang Ha, general director of the Missile Administration of North Korea, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

South Korea's military said Wednesday that Pyongyang fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea.

The hypersonic projectiles were launched from Ryokpho District in Pyongyang Municipality "toward the northeast direction and hit the target point on the tableland of Kwesang Peak in Orang County, North Hamgyong Province," according to KCNA.

"The new weapon system was tested as part of the defense capability development program to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence against potential enemies."

Pyongyang's activities are "evidently aimed to continue to bolster the war deterrent and their purpose is to strengthen self-defense," said Pak Jong Chon.

The US Forces Korea (USFK) condemned the missile launches and their "relentless pursuit of long-range missile capabilities" in a statement.

Washington condemns these "unlawful and destabilizing actions, and we call on the DPRK to refrain from further acts in violation of the UNCSCR," it said, referring to North Korea by the its formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"Our focus is on maintaining the readiness required to defend the homelands," it said, expressing the US's commitment to the South Korea-US alliance.

South Korea is one of the US’s oldest and closest allies, hosting around 28,500 American soldiers on the Korean Peninsula.