DPRK tests hypersonic missile amid global tensions

The Socialist Bulletin Staff - 5/1/2026

THE Democratic People's Republic of Korea has tested a hypersonic missile, firing it at targets in the ocean over 1,000km away from the DPRK.

While the DPRK has tested hypersonic missiles multiple times since 2021, this is the first confirmed full test of the new Hwasong-11E, which was first revealed during a military parade in October.

The Hwasong-11E is one of the most powerful missiles owned by the DPRK in its history.

The tests come just a day after the violent and illegal overthrow of President Maduro of Venezuela - a key ally of the DPRK - by the United States, and come just hours before a state visit by the President of the US-backed Southern Korean government to China.

The Korean Central News Agency has reported that General Secretary Kim Jong-Un has stated that the Korean government "can confirm that a very important technology task for national defence has been carried out" and that upgrading "offensive weapon systems" is a priority for the government.

This test can be seen as a response by the DPRK to US threats to overthrow governments that it opposes, in a similar fashion to that of Venezuela.

The DPRK government condemned the overthrow of Mr Maduro very soon after the execution of the illegal act by the United States regime.