DPRK says it test-fired newly developed hypersonic missile

This picture taken on Sept 28, 2021 and released by the DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency on Sept 29 shows the Academy of Defence Science of the DPRK test-firing a hypersonic missile Hwasong-8 newly developed by it in Toyang-ri, Ryongrim county of Jagang province, DPRK. (STR / KCNA VIA KNS / AFP)

PYONGYANG – The Democratic People's Republic of Korea test-fired a hypersonic missile Hwasong-8 on Tuesday morning, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Wednesday.

The missile was newly developed by the Academy of Defence Science and test-fired in Toyang-ri, Ryongrim county, Jagang province, DPRK, according to the report.

Pak Jong-chon, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, watched the test-launch with leading officials in the sector of national defense science

"In the first test-launch, national defense scientists confirmed the navigational control and stability of the missile in the active section and also its technical specifications including the guiding maneuverability and the gliding flight characteristics of the detached hypersonic gliding warhead," the report reads.

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It also ascertained the stability of the engine as well as of missile fuel ampoule that has been introduced for the first time, KCNA said, adding the test results proved that "all the technical specifications met the design requirements."

According to the report, Pak Jong-chon, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, watched the test-launch with leading officials in the sector of national defense science.

DPRK also tested cruise and ballistic missiles in September. 

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