North Korea Tests New Hypersonic Missile, Attracting Putin's Attention, Capable of Reaching Speeds of Mach 12

North Korea Tests New Hypersonic Missile, Attracting Putin’s Attention, Capable of Reaching Speeds of Mach 12

Written by Bruno Teles

Published on 09/01/2025 at 02:53

Mach 12 significa que o míssil viaja 12 vezes mais rápido que a velocidade do som, algo incrivelmente rápido. Para comparar, ele poderia atravessar 1.500 km em apenas alguns minutos!

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Capable of Reaching Speeds of Mach 12, North Korea’s New Hypersonic Missile Challenges Global Defenses and Strengthens Its Strategic Alliance with Russia, Revealing a New Era of Military and Geopolitical Tension.

Recently, North Korea conducted another test with a hypersonic missile, drawing worldwide attention. But what makes this news even more intriguing is Vladimir Putin’s growing interest in this military advancement. Why is Russia so involved in this issue? To understand, we need to explore what these weapons are, North Korea’s intentions, and Russia’s interests.

What Are Hypersonic Missiles and Why Do They Matter?

Hypersonic missiles are the new generation of military weapons. With speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), they are nearly impossible to intercept by current defense systems. There are two main types: hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs), which glide in the upper atmosphere after being launched, and hypersonic cruise missiles (HCMs), equipped with scramjet engines.

The distinctiveness of these weapons lies in the combination of extreme speed and maneuverability, allowing for unpredictable and precise strikes. They can be equipped with nuclear or conventional warheads, which elevates their threat level.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

The Evolution of North Korea’s Missile Program

North Korea conducted the test to showcase military strength and ensure its capability to defend against potential attacks, especially from the US and its allies. It was a way to draw international attention, reinforce its alliance with Russia, and strengthen Kim Jong-un's image as a powerful leader. — North Korea conducted the test to showcase military strength and ensure its capability to defend against potential attacks, especially from the US and its allies. It was a way to draw international attention, reinforce its alliance with Russia, and strengthen Kim Jong-un’s image as a powerful leader.

North Korea has been heavily investing in the development of hypersonic missiles since 2021. The most recent test, in January 2025, used a medium-range missile that reportedly reached an impressive speed of Mach 12, according to North Korean sources. Although countries like Japan and South Korea question the reported figures, the test is a clear demonstration that Kim Jong-un’s regime is determined to lead in the field of hypersonic weapons.

This advancement also carries a strong symbolic component. The test was conducted during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Asia and just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration for his second term as president. Coincidence? Hardly.

North Korea’s Motivations for Developing Hypersonic Weapons

Why is North Korea so committed to creating these weapons? The reasons are multiple:

Nuclear Deterrence: Ensure the capability for retaliation against any attack, especially from the US and allies.

Military Balance: Compensate for the technological and military disparity with South Korea and the United States.

Diplomatic Leverage: Use tests as a way to send strategic messages during important international events.

Internal Propaganda: Reinforce Kim Jong-un’s image as a defender of sovereignty and visionary leader.

The Role of Russia in North Korea’s Advancement

Russia plays a crucial role in this context. Moscow has provided technical and strategic support to North Korea, not only as a way to challenge the US but also to test new technologies and tactics. Putin sees this collaboration as an opportunity to expand his geopolitical influence.

The partnership between North Korea and Russia brings advantages for both sides. While Pyongyang gains access to advanced technologies, such as heat-resistant materials and scramjet engines, Moscow benefits from North Korea’s expertise in economic solutions and large-scale production. The alliance strengthens Putin’s narrative of a multipolar world, challenging the West-led order.

Global Implications of the North Korean Test

North Korea’s advancement in hypersonic missiles has profound implications. It not only threatens to destabilize the Asia-Pacific region but also triggers a global arms race. Countries like Japan and South Korea are already ramping up their defenses, while the US is reassessing its strategies to deal with this new threat.

The recent hypersonic missile test by North Korea, coupled with Russia’s strategic support, demonstrates how unexpected alliances can shape the future of global security. With such advanced and hard-to-intercept weapons, the balance of power is in constant flux. The question now is: will the world be prepared to deal with these new threats?

North Korea Tests New Hypersonic Missile, Attracting Putin’s Attention, Capable of Reaching Speeds of Mach 12

Capable of Reaching Speeds of Mach 12, North Korea’s New Hypersonic Missile Challenges Global Defenses and Strengthens Its Strategic Alliance with Russia, Revealing a New Era of Military and Geopolitical Tension.

What Are Hypersonic Missiles and Why Do They Matter?

The Evolution of North Korea’s Missile Program

North Korea’s Motivations for Developing Hypersonic Weapons

The Role of Russia in North Korea’s Advancement

Global Implications of the North Korean Test

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North Korea Tests New Hypersonic Missile, Attracting Putin’s Attention, Capable of Reaching Speeds of Mach 12

Capable of Reaching Speeds of Mach 12, North Korea’s New Hypersonic Missile Challenges Global Defenses and Strengthens Its Strategic Alliance with Russia, Revealing a New Era of Military and Geopolitical Tension.

What Are Hypersonic Missiles and Why Do They Matter?

The Evolution of North Korea’s Missile Program

North Korea’s Motivations for Developing Hypersonic Weapons

The Role of Russia in North Korea’s Advancement

Global Implications of the North Korean Test

A giant printer called the “Ferrari” of concrete has landed in Latin America and can already build a 120-square-meter house in just 48 hours, making the traditional construction site look like something from the last century.

Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has ceased to be a climatic phenomenon and has become a biological system that feeds on itself, with 8,000 kilometers in length, 37 million tons of algae, and scientists confirm that it is now permanent.

Brazil will harvest a record crop of up to 357 million tons of grains, but it does not have the capacity to store a large part of it. The storage deficit has reached the highest level in history and is equivalent to almost the entire production of Argentina.

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Scientists have discovered that the Earth recycles its own continents in the depths, dragging pieces of crust down during plate collisions and returning them later as magma, in a mechanism called relamination that has helped build the continents for billions of years.

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