N Korea's Kim oversees hypersonic missile tests, cites geopolitical crisis

"The KCNA said that Sunday's drill involving a hypersonic weapon system was meant to examine its readiness, enhance missile troops' firepower operational skills and evaluate the operational capabilities of the country's war deterrent. Through today's launching drill, we can confirm that a very important technology task for national defence has been carried out, Kim said, according to KCNA. We must continuously upgrade the military means, especially offensive weapon systems."

"Kim added that it's a very important strategy to maintain or expand the strong and reliable nuclear deterrent, because of the recent geopolitical crisis and various international circumstances. The missiles hit targets about 1,000km (621 miles) away, over the sea east of North Korea, KCNA said. The missile launch followed a North Korean statement on Sunday that denounced the attacks by the United States on Venezuela and its abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro."

"North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the test flights of hypersonic missiles, underscoring the need to bolster the country's nuclear deterrent amid the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events, according to state media. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed the drills on Monday, a day after North Korea's neighbours said they detected multiple ballistic missile launches."

Kim Jong Un supervised test flights of hypersonic missiles and emphasized bolstering North Korea's nuclear deterrent in response to recent geopolitical crises and international circumstances. KCNA confirmed the drills and said the hypersonic exercise tested readiness, improved missile troops' firepower operational skills, and evaluated the operational capabilities of the country's war deterrent. The missiles reportedly struck targets about 1,000 km away over the sea east of North Korea. The launches occurred hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for a summit in China. North Korea also condemned recent US actions regarding Venezuela.

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