North Korea Tests New Hypersonic Short-Range Missile System

On September 20, 2026, North Korea’s Missile Administration conducted a test of a “new-type weapon” that state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described as a maneuverable hypersonic short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). The launch was overseen by leader Kim Jong un, who was photographed with his teenage daughter, Kim Ju-ae, observing a monitor that identified the projectile as “Hwasong-11Ma-1.” The test involved two missiles fired from the eastern coastal area near Wonsan, three hours apart.

North Korea touts hypersonic missile as ‘incurable headache’ for enemies NBC NewsNorth Korea touts new weapons system described as hypersonic

The demonstration follows a series of North Korean weapons displays, including live-fire drills and the commissioning of a new warship, and comes after Pyongyang accused the United States of heightening tensions through joint military exercises with South Korea. Earlier in February 2026, Pyongyang had showcased new launch vehicles for nuclear-capable short-range missiles, underscoring a continued focus on expanding its missile arsenal.

EuronewsNorth Korea touts new weapons system described as hypersonic NBC News

• South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff: first missile traveled ~450 km, second ~600 km toward the sea.

North Korea touts hypersonic missile as ‘incurable headache’ for enemies

• Japanese Self-Defense Forces: missiles landed in waters outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

Euronews

• KCNA-released telemetry: speed 2,146 m/s (?4,800 mph), altitude 35.8 km (22 mi), range 908.2 km (564 mi).

North Korea touts hypersonic missile as ‘incurable headache’ for enemies

• The KCNA range exceeds the distances reported by Seoul’s military.

North Korea touts hypersonic missile as ‘incurable headache’ for enemies

• South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs: condemned the launches as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and urged Pyongyang to halt ballistic missile activities.

Euronews

• Japanese Government: lodged a “stern protest,” labeling the launches a threat to regional peace and security.

Euronews

• Foreign Ministers of South Korea, Japan and the United States (meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly): agreed to coordinate closely on peace, stability and denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

Reuters

The alleged hypersonic SRBM is designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and to maneuver at low altitude, features intended to evade regional missile-defence systems. If the performance claims are accurate, the weapon could increase the burden on South Korean and U.S. defense architectures and elevate tensions over the Korean Peninsula’s security environment.

North Korea touts hypersonic missile as ‘incurable headache’ for enemies

• Range Discrepancy: KCNA reports a 908.2 km flight, while South Korean officials measured 450 km and 600 km for the two missiles.

North Korea touts hypersonic missile as ‘incurable headache’ for enemies

• Weapon Classification: Sources identify the system as a hypersonic SRBM with a glide vehicle, but North Korean statements do not specify the exact type, leaving the precise capabilities unverified.

North Korea touts hypersonic missile as ‘incurable headache’ for enemies

• “North Korea even disclosed the test results, including the range and warhead altitude, to demonstrate its low-altitude gliding capabilities,” — Shin Jong-woo, secretary general of the Korea Defense and Security Forum

North Korea touts hypersonic missile as ‘incurable headache’ for enemies

• “To acquire such a technology is of weighty significance in the state's readiness for war and the future development of the armed forces” — YONHAP Kim, north korean president

North Korea touts hypersonic missile as ‘incurable headache’ for enemies