[2] Several of the reports published by major news media houses also reported that North Korea has tested a hypersonic weapon. The underwater nuclear weapon delivery system test also needs some clarification regarding its claimed capabilities and strategic purpose. [3]The Hypersonic ClaimThe January 2024 claim is not the first time North Korea has claimed to have acquired hypersonic technology. [2] “North Korea claims to have fired solid-fuel hypersonic missile in latest weapons test,” The Guardian, January 15, 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/15/north-korea-hypersonic-missile-claims-solid-fuel-pyongyang. [14] Vann H. Van Diepen, “North Korea’s New “Unmanned Underwater Nuclear Attack Craft”: Red October or White Elephant?” 38 North, April 6, 2023, https://www.38north.org/2023/04/north-koreas-new-unmanned-underwater-nuclear-attack-craft-red-october-or-white-elephant/.

Source: The Guardian January 29, 2024 15:21 UTC