North Korea last night (Wednesday) conducted the first experiment of its kind with a hyper-ultrasonic ballistic missile produced by it, the state news agency of the closed country reported.
According to the report, an Osung-8 missile was launched from the east coast of the country towards the sea as part of an experiment, which it defined as a success.
The news agency claimed that the experiment was intended to strengthen Pyongyang's defensive capabilities, but the country's ruler, Kim Jong Un, did not anticipate a launch.
"In launching the first experiment of its kind, national defense scientists videotaped the missile's control and stabilization capabilities during its launch," the news agency said in a statement.
"The scientists tested the ability to control during the missile's glide, as well as the capabilities of the missile's separate hyper-sonic hoist."
People watch news report of a ballistic missile launch from North Korea, at a train station in Seoul, South Korea, Photo: AFP
Yesterday it was reported that North Korea had launched a short-range ballistic missile.
The country's ballistic missile launches, which violate the UN resolution on North Korea's ballistic missile program, come after senior officials in the country's leadership called on their southern neighbor to abandon "double standards" against Pyongyang and join peace talks on the future of the Korean Peninsula.
Just two weeks ago, North Korea launched a medium-range ballistic missile from a passenger train in a mountainous and isolated area in the center of the country.
According to a report by the state agency, two missiles were launched from the deck of the train - hitting their targets, which were about 750 kilometers from the sea.
It was the first trial of its kind in the country since 2019.
North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un, Photo: Reuters