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North Korean state media said the advanced weapon was the latest technological advance of the nuclear-armed state and could be a factor in the strategic balance.
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North Korea’s claim is surprising, because so far only Russia, China and the United States (US) have confirmed that it has developed the superfast weapon.
What is a Hypersonic Missile?
Hypersonic is defined as the ability to travel at a speed of at least five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) or more than 6,100 km per hour.
In addition to their incredible speed, hypersonic weapons can be maneuvered in mid-flight, making them much more difficult to track and intercept by defense systems than traditional projectiles.
By cutting flight times, hypersonic missiles also reduce the defense system’s chance of responding.
Depending on the design, the advanced weapon can carry a nuclear or conventional warhead, and has the potential to shift the strategic balance.
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