North Korean Leader’s Inspection of Advanced Weapons in Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Russia in early September 2023 to meet with President Vladimir Putin and discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation. During his visit, Kim examined hypersonic missiles and other next-generation weapons that Russia is developing.
Kim’s visit to Russia and his interest in hypersonic missiles is a significant development. Hypersonic missiles are a new class of weapons that can travel at speeds of Mach 5 or higher, making them very difficult to intercept. Russia is one of the few countries in the world that is developing hypersonic missiles, and Kim’s interest in these weapons suggests that North Korea is also seeking to develop this capability.
North Korea’s pursuit of hypersonic missiles is a concern for the United States and its allies in the region. Hypersonic missiles could be used by North Korea to deliver nuclear weapons to the United States and its allies in Asia.
What are hypersonic missiles?
Hypersonic missiles are a new class of weapons that can travel at speeds of Mach 5 or higher, making them very difficult to intercept. Mach 5 is five times the speed of sound, which is approximately 760 miles per hour.
Hypersonic missiles are difficult to intercept because they travel at such high speeds and because they can maneuver in unpredictable ways. Hypersonic missiles can also fly at very high altitudes, making them even more difficult to track and intercept.
Why is North Korea interested in hypersonic missiles?
North Korea is interested in hypersonic missiles because they could be used to deliver nuclear weapons to the United States and its allies in Asia. Hypersonic missiles are very difficult to intercept, so they could give North Korea a significant advantage in a conflict.
North Korea is also developing hypersonic missiles for deterrence purposes. North Korea believes that by developing hypersonic missiles, it can deter the United States and its allies from attacking it.
What are the implications of North Korea’s pursuit of hypersonic missiles?
North Korea’s pursuit of hypersonic missiles is a concern for the United States and its allies in the region. Hypersonic missiles could be used by North Korea to deliver nuclear weapons to the United States and its allies in Asia.
The United States and its allies are working to develop countermeasures to hypersonic missiles, but it is unclear when these countermeasures will be effective. In the meantime, the United States and its allies are relying on deterrence to prevent North Korea from using hypersonic missiles.
What can be done to address the threat of North Korea’s hypersonic missiles?
There are a number of things that can be done to address the threat of North Korea’s hypersonic missiles. One important step is to continue to develop countermeasures to hypersonic missiles. The United States and its allies are working on a number of different countermeasures, including lasers, missiles, and electronic warfare systems.
Another important step is to strengthen deterrence against North Korea. The United States and its allies need to make it clear to North Korea that any use of hypersonic missiles would result in a devastating response.
It is also important to continue to work towards a diplomatic solution to the North Korean nuclear issue. A diplomatic solution would be the best way to eliminate the threat of North Korea’s hypersonic missiles.
Conclusion
North Korea’s pursuit of hypersonic missiles is a significant development that is of concern to the United States and its allies in the region. Hypersonic missiles are a new class of weapons that can travel at speeds of Mach 5 or higher, making them very difficult to intercept.
North Korea is interested in hypersonic missiles because they could be used to deliver nuclear weapons to the United States and its allies in Asia. North Korea is also developing hypersonic missiles for deterrence purposes.
The United States and its allies are working to develop countermeasures to hypersonic missiles, but it is unclear when these countermeasures will be effective. In the meantime, the United States and its allies are relying on deterrence to prevent North Korea from using hypersonic missiles.
There are a number of things that can be done to address the threat of North Korea’s hypersonic missiles. One important step is to continue to develop countermeasures to hypersonic missiles. Another important step is to strengthen deterrence against North Korea. It is also important to continue to work towards a diplomatic solution to the North Korean nuclear issue.