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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected test-flights of hypersonic missiles and called for a stronger nuclear war deterrent, state media said on Monday, as Pyongyang stepped up a weapons display ahead of a major political summit.
North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency said Sunday’s drills involving hypersonic weapons systems were designed to test combat readiness, sharpen the operational skills of missile troops and assess the country’s overall war deterrence capability.
“Through today’s launching drill, we can confirm that a very important technology task for national defense has been accomplished,” Kim said, according to KCNA. “We must continuously upgrade military means, especially offensive weapon systems.”
The announcement came a day after South Korea and Japan said they had detected multiple missile launches from North Korea, which they condemned as provocations. The tests also came hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was to leave for China to meet President Xi Jinping.
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In this photo provided by the North Korean government, leader Kim Jong Un observes test-flights of hypersonic missiles in Pyongyang, North Korea, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Independent journalists were not allowed to cover the event shown in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is provided and cannot be independently verified. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
If fully operational, a hypersonic missile would give North Korea the ability to evade American and South Korean missile defense systems. While Pyongyang has conducted a series of hypersonic tests in recent years, many foreign experts doubt that the weapons have achieved the required speed and maneuverability.
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, leader Kim Jong Un walks down the street as he observes test-flights of hypersonic missiles in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
The latest tests follow recent launches of what North Korea described as long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air systems, as well as images released by the state showing progress on what it claims is its first nuclear-powered submarine.
Experts say the regime is showcasing its weapons advances before the ruling Workers’ Party congress, the first time in five years. The meeting is expected to review military achievements and could indicate whether Kim plans to change his approach toward the US or revive long-stalled nuclear talks.
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North Korea’s nuclear program is also expected to be discussed during the summit between Lee and Xi. Lee’s office said the South Korean president planned to urge China — Pyongyang’s main ally and economic lifeline — to play a “constructive role” in reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, center left, and his wife Kim Hae Kyung, arrive for departure to China at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
In defending his nuclear expansion efforts, Kim cited increasing global instability.
“Why this is necessary is exemplified by recent geopolitical crises and complex international events,” he said.
The missile launch followed Saturday’s dramatic US military operation that ousted Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro from power and brought him to the US to face charges of a narco-terrorism plot. North Korea condemned the operation as further evidence of “America’s evil and cruel nature”.
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Analysts say the move is likely to bolster Kim’s effort to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, which he views as essential to the regime’s survival and national sovereignty in the face of U.S.-led hostility by Pyongyang.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
