On January 4, North Korea conducted exercises with the launch of hypersonic missiles by a unit of the Missile Forces of the Korean People’s Army under the direct leadership of Kim Jong Un.
According to official information released by Pyongyang, the missiles were fired from the Ryokpo region of the capital in a northeast direction and hit targets in a maritime zone in the Sea of Japan at a distance of about 1,000 kilometers.
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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 evaluated.
According to the same statement said Kim Jong Un Jong Unthat the continued improvement of strategic means, including offensive systems, is an indispensable prerequisite for the country’s self-defense. The leader added that regular demonstrations of the strategic forces’ readiness and combat capability remain an effective deterrent in light of the worsening international situation.
In response to the events published Japan’s Ministry of Defense an official statement confirming the launch of two ballistic missiles by North Korea 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 heading east.
The Japanese authorities stated that, according to preliminary assessments, both missiles fell outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, also in the Sea of Japan. The ministry also emphasized that the projectiles followed trajectories that were considered atypical.
According to the published data, the first missile was launched at 07:54, traveled about 900 kilometers and reached an estimated maximum altitude of approximately 50 kilometers. The second firing took place around 08.05 with a range of approximately 950 kilometers and a corresponding altitude. The registration of the flights was made using radar systems on board aircraft and ships stationed in the region.
Japan’s Defense Ministry added that Japanese, South Korean and American experts are continuing to analyze the technical details of the launches to determine more precisely what type of missile was used and what capabilities it possesses.
Source and images: Kcna | Japan’s Ministry of Defense. This content was prepared with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors.
