North Korea tests new hypersonic missile as Xi & Putin's nuclear ally Kim puts US bases on notice?

North Korea has released imagery of a new hypersonic missile test conducted on September 20, featuring the Hwasong-11MA-1. The test reportedly involved a short-range ballistic missile booster fitted with a hypersonic glide vehicle capable of maneuvering during flight. North Korean claims put the missile’s speed at 2,146 metres per second, with a reported flight distance of 908.2 kilometres. Kim Jong Un observed the test alongside his daughter Kim Ju Ae and senior missile officials. However, the available imagery does not independently confirm the missile’s full maneuvering capability, accuracy or operational reliability. The test raises fresh questions over North Korea’s advancing hypersonic weapons programme.