As North Korea announces its successful test of a new solid-fuel hypersonic missile, the global stage is set for an intensifying race in advanced weaponry. Here’s an in-depth look at why North Korea is testing hypersonic missiles and the strategic implications of this move.
The Hypersonic Game: A New Arms Race
North Korea revealed on Monday that it had conducted a test of a new solid-fuel hypersonic missile with intermediate range, catapulting itself into an arms race that involves major players like the United States, China, and Russia. These hypersonic missiles, designed for superior maneuverability rather than just speed, present a challenging prospect for traditional defense systems.
Understanding Hypersonic Missiles
Hypersonic missiles are known for launching warheads at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, often maneuvering at low altitudes. Contrary to their name, the defining feature of these weapons is their exceptional maneuverability rather than sheer speed. North Korea’s hypersonic missile tests have showcased innovation, including a glider-shaped warhead in 2021 and a conical maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) in 2022.
Sunday’s test marked North Korea’s move towards multi-stage, high-thrust solid-fuel engines and an intermediate-range hypersonic maneuverable controlled warhead. Combining a glide vehicle with a missile capable of a fractional orbital bombardment system (FOBS) could potentially strip adversaries of reaction time and traditional defense mechanisms.
The Global Hypersonic Race: Who’s Leading?
Major players in the global hypersonic race include China, which successfully launched a hypersonic glide vehicle in 2021, and Russia, whose Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile demonstrated its capabilities. The United States, in September 2021, announced the successful testing of an air-breathing hypersonic weapon, marking a significant milestone in this arms race.
North Korea’s Hypersonic Aspirations
The push for hypersonic weapons aligns with North Korea’s strategic goals, as outlined by Kim Jong Un in a Workers’ Party meeting in January 2021. Securing hypersonic weapons became one of five main tasks under a five-year plan to boost military power, alongside the development of solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and a nuclear submarine.
North Korea’s first hypersonic missile test in September 2021 was described as a “strategic weapon” to enhance defense capabilities. Despite some analysts describing it as a failure, North Korea persisted and, in January 2022, reportedly tested another potentially hypersonic missile flying at up to 10 times the speed of sound.
Sunday’s launch, featuring North Korea’s first solid-fuel-powered hypersonic missile, holds significance as it facilitates quicker launches with minimal preparation.
Implications of the Hypersonic Pursuit
As the global push for hypersonic weapons continues, it becomes part of an arms race where smaller nations, including those in Asia, strive to develop advanced long-range missiles alongside major military powers. The maneuverability of hypersonic weapons, combined with FOBS capabilities, raises concerns as they can potentially evade existing missile shields and early warning systems.
Chang Young-keun, a professor at Korea Aerospace University, notes, “North Korea appears to be trying to develop hypersonic missiles and intermediate-range ballistic missiles based on solid propellant rocket boosters.” The focus on mid- to long-range hypersonic missiles suggests strategic considerations, including the potential to strike locations like Guam while evading the U.S. missile defense system.
In the evolving landscape of military technology, North Korea’s advancements in hypersonic missiles underscore the geopolitical shifts and challenges faced by nations striving to maintain strategic superiority in an increasingly complex global security environment.