North Korea Tests Apparent New Hypersonic Missile As Kim Watches
North Korea tested what it called a new hypersonic weapon system on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, with leader Kim Jong Un watching, a move that could complicate regional security and arms control efforts.[1]
State media released images showing Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae reviewing data labeled "Hwasongpho-11Ma-1 flight trajectory." CBS News Analysts say the system appears to be an upgraded short-range ballistic missile carrying a hypersonic glide vehicle.[1] North Korean state media quoted Kim praising the weapon as an "irresistible force" and "an incurable headache" for adversaries.[1]
The test coincided with planned U.N. speeches by South Korea's president and with President Trump's public interest in new talks with Kim, timing that could affect diplomatic momentum around the peninsula.[1]
The images were labeled "Hwasongpho-11Ma-1," a designation analysts will examine as they assess whether the flight demonstrates a true hypersonic glide vehicle.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On Sunday, September 20, 2026, North Korea tested what it called a new hypersonic weapon system.
- KCNA released images showing Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae reviewing data labeled “Hwasongpho-11Ma-1 flight trajectory.”
- Analysts say the system appears to be an upgraded short-range ballistic missile carrying a hypersonic glide vehicle.
- Kim hailed the weapon as an “irresistible force” and an “incurable headache” for adversaries, according to state media.
- The test coincides with planned U.N. speeches by South Korea’s president on inter-Korean relations and with President Trump’s public interest in new talks with Kim.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time