SEOUL - On Sunday, North Korea conducted a test of a novel solid-fuel hypersonic missile with intermediate range, as reported by state news agency KCNA on Monday. The move drew swift condemnation from the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The test was designed to assess the reliability of newly developed multi-stage, high-thrust solid-fuel engines, along with an intermediate-range hypersonic maneuverable controlled warhead. Despite KCNA asserting that the test posed no security threat to neighboring nations, South Korea's military criticized it as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, warning of an "overwhelming response" to direct provocations.

This ballistic missile launch, North Korea's first this year, led to joint condemnation from the nuclear envoys of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. During a three-way phone call, the envoys emphasized that North Korea's provocations were a source of regional instability. The timing of the missile test coincided with a delegation, led by Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, departing Pyongyang for Russia, adding a diplomatic dimension to the unfolding events.

The launch and diplomatic activities occur against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the Koreas, fueled by North Korea's recent intercontinental ballistic missile launches and the deployment of its first military spy satellite. Meanwhile, deepening ties between North Korea and Moscow have raised concerns among Washington and its allies. In a separate commentary, North Korea accused South Korea of heightening tensions through military drills and armament calls, warning that even a minor incident could spark significant conflicts between the historically antagonistic nations.

Of note, North Korea recently altered its policy, designating South Korea as a separate enemy state, a departure from decades of previous stance. Leader Kim Jong Un asserted that peaceful reunification is no longer feasible, a move analysts believe might serve to justify the use of nuclear weapons against Seoul in a future conflict.

Providing details of the missile test, South Korea's military revealed that the projectile, launched from the vicinity of Pyongyang at approximately 2:55 p.m. (0555 GMT), covered around 1,000 km (600 miles) along the country's east coast. Japan's defense ministry reported a maximum altitude of at least 50 km (30 miles). Hypersonic missiles, known for their maneuverability rather than sheer speed, can reach speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, making them challenging to intercept with traditional missile defense systems.

This development follows North Korea's prior announcements about testing new solid-fuel engines for an intermediate ballistic missile on November 11 and November 14, further underscoring the nation's commitment to advancing its military capabilities.