North Korea announced on Thursday that it had successfully tested new hypersonic missile systems, aimed at enhancing its nuclear deterrent capabilities. The tests, conducted under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, are part of an ongoing effort to develop advanced weapons capable of penetrating South Korea’s missile defenses. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the launches involved two hypersonic projectiles that precisely struck a land target in the country’s northern region. The agency described the system as ‘strategic,’ suggesting its potential for nuclear armament. The tests occurred just days before global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, are set to convene in South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. This timing has led analysts to speculate that North Korea may be seeking to assert its military prowess on the international stage. The latest tests follow a massive military parade in Pyongyang earlier this month, where Kim showcased new weaponry, including a short-range ballistic missile system equipped with hypersonic glide vehicles. Experts have noted that hypersonic weapons, which travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, are designed to evade missile defense systems. However, questions remain about the consistency of their performance in real-world scenarios. Pak Jong Chon, a senior military official, praised the ‘new cutting-edge weapon system’ and emphasized North Korea’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities. The tests also come amid stalled diplomatic efforts between North Korea and the United States, with Kim demanding the lifting of economic sanctions as a precondition for talks. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June, has called for dialogue to restore peace on the Korean Peninsula, but Kim has so far rejected these overtures. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s recent missile tests may be a strategic move to reinforce its position as a nuclear power ahead of key international gatherings.