KJU Observes Hypersonic IRBM Test
Kim Jong Un watches a test of an IRBM missile from a command center on 6 January 2025. Also in attendance daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and WPK MID Senior Deputy Director Kim Jong Sik (Photo: KCNA).
Kim Jong Un (KJU; Kim Cho’ng-u’n) gave himself an early birthday present (8 January) and observed the test firing of an intermediate-range [IRBM] hypersonic missile during the early afternoon [KST] of 6 January. Also in attendance were the Respected Daughter, Kim Ju Ae (Kim Chu-a’e) and Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Munitions Industry Department Senior Deputy Director Kim Jong Sik (Kim Cho’ng Sik). The test firing was managed in situ by Missile Administration (General Bureau) head, Jang Chang Ha (Chang Chang-ha).
The test was done as “part of defense capability development plan designed to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence against potential adversaries in line with the change security environment.” Prior to DPRK state media publicizing KJU’s involvement of the test, the ROK Joint Chief of Staff assessed that the missile’s engine has a range of 3,000 km (1864 miles) to 5,000 km (3100 miles). The missile flew from the Pyongyang area to the East Sea for about 1,100 km (684 miles). KJU expressed “great satisfaction” at the test results and remarked that “we have demonstrated the boundless potential and development speed of our own defense technology that can sufficiently deal with prospective threats and clearly showed our enemies what we are doing and that we are full prepared to use any means at our disposal to protect our legitimate interests.”
KJU also pronounced that “we have acquired technological prowess that is not easy by any means…this is a clear achievement in strengthening self-defense capabilities of which we are proud.” In these remarks, KJU is subtly indicating that the missile technology involved derives from the efforts of North Korean researchers and technicians and not from technology provided by Russia. This test is also, by no means the last, as KJU indicated “the develop trend of the DPRK’s national defense power…will accelerate further.”
Missile Administration head Jang Chang Ha (background, 2nd right) talks with WPK Munitions Industry Department Senior Deputy Director and nuclear adviser Hong Sung Mu (background, right) during a 29 December 2024 visit to the (Wo’nsan) Kalma Coastal Resort (Photo: KCNA).
