North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently took the helm during test flights of hypersonic missiles, emphasizing the need for a bolstered nuclear deterrent. This development, reported by state media on Monday, comes as North Korea intensifies its military demonstrations in anticipation of an upcoming significant political event.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the hypersonic weapon system drill conducted on Sunday was aimed at evaluating combat preparedness, enhancing the operational skills of missile troops, and gauging North Korea’s overall war deterrent capabilities.

Kim Jong Un remarked, as quoted by KCNA, “Through today’s launch, we can confirm that a crucial technological milestone for national defense has been achieved. It is imperative that we continuously advance our military capabilities, particularly our offensive weaponry.”

This announcement followed closely after South Korea and Japan reported detecting multiple missile launches from North Korea, actions they strongly condemned as provocative. The tests occurred mere hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung embarked on a visit to China for discussions with President Xi Jinping.

In a photograph released by the North Korean government, Kim Jong Un is seen overseeing the hypersonic missile tests in Pyongyang on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The image, distributed by the Korean Central News Agency, was circulated via the Korea News Service and AP.

If North Korea’s hypersonic missiles become fully operational, they could potentially bypass U.S. and South Korean missile defense systems. While Pyongyang has conducted various hypersonic tests over recent years, many international experts remain doubtful about the missiles’ current speed and maneuverability capabilities.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, leader Kim Jong Un walks on a road as he inspects test-flights of hypersonic missiles, in Pyongyang, North Korea, 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, along with state-released images showing progress on what it claims is its first nuclear-powered submarine.

Experts say the regime is showcasing its weapons advancements ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party congress, its first in five years. The meeting is expected to review military achievements and could signal whether Kim plans to shift his approach toward the U.S. or revive long-stalled nuclear talks.

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 plans to urge China — Pyongyang’s main ally and economic lifeline — to play “a constructive role” in easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, center left, and his wife Kim Hea Kyung arrive to depart for China at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Defending his push for nuclear expansion, Kim cited growing global instability. 

“Why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events,” he said.

The missile launches followed Saturday’s dramatic U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro from power and brought him to the U.S. to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. North Korea condemned the operation, calling it further proof of what it described as “the rogue and brutal nature of the U.S.”

Analysts say the move is likely to reinforce Kim’s push to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, which he views as essential to regime survival and national sovereignty in the face of what Pyongyang sees as U.S.-led hostility.