On January 4, North Korea conducted hypersonic missile launch exercises conducted by a unit of the Korean People’s Army Missile Forces, under the direct leadership of Kim Jong Un.
According to official information published by Pyongyang, the missiles were launched from the Ryokpo region of the capital in a northeasterly direction, and hit targets at a distance of about 1,000 kilometers in a maritime area in the Sea of Japan.
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According to the North Korean announcement, the launches confirmed the declared tactical-technical characteristics of the hypersonic system. During the exercise, the operational readiness of the weapons for combat missions, the reliability of the key elements of the strategic deterrence system, as well as the level of training and coordination among the units of the missile forces were assessed.
According to the same statement said Kim Jong Un Jong Un that continuous improvement of strategic means, including offensive systems, is an indispensable prerequisite for the country’s self-defence. The leader added that regular demonstrations of the strategic forces’ preparedness and fighting ability are still an effective deterrent in the face of a worsening international situation.
In response to the events published Japan’s Ministry of Defense an official statement confirming that North Korea launched two ballistic missiles on the morning of January 4, 2026. According to Tokyo, the launches took place between 07:00 and 08:00 (local time), from the west coast of North Korea, with a course to the east.
Japanese authorities stated that both missiles, according to preliminary estimates, fell outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, also in the Sea of Japan. The ministry further emphasized that the projectiles followed trajectories that were considered atypical.
According to the published data, the first missile was launched at 07.54, covered approximately 900 kilometers and reached an estimated maximum altitude of around 50 kilometers. The second launch took place around 08.05, with a range of approximately 950 kilometers and a corresponding altitude. The registration of the flights was carried out using radar systems on board aircraft and vessels deployed in the region.
Japan’s Defense Ministry added that Japanese, South Korean and American experts are still analyzing the technical details of the launches to determine more precisely what type of missile was used and what its capabilities are.
Source and images: Kcna | Japan’s Ministry of Defense. This content has been prepared with help from KI and reviewed by the editors.
