Directly Supervised by Kim Jong-un, North Korea Holds Test Launch of Solid Fuel Hypersonic Missile

North Korea's heavy-fueled hypersonic missile test was directly supervised by Kim Jong-un. (Source: KCNA)

JAKARTA - North Korea successfully tested a medium to long-range solid-fuel hypersonic missile, state media KCNA said on Wednesday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised the launch, KCNA said and hailed it as a strategic weapon that demonstrated the "absolute superiority" of North Korea's defense technology.

With this, North Korea has "completely converted all tactical, operational and strategic missiles with different ranges into solid fuel, with warhead control, and capable of nuclearization," said Leader Kim, citing Reuters from KCNA, April 3.

Hypersonic missiles are more difficult to intercept, while solid-fuel missiles can be moved and stored more easily, meaning they are ready to launch at a moment's notice.

Tuesday's test follows ground testing in late March of a solid fuel engine for a new type of medium-range hypersonic missile.

Earlier, North Korea allegedly fired a medium-range ballistic missile into the sea on Tuesday in a possible test, sparking swift condemnation from South Korea, Japan and the United States.

Britain also condemned North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch on Tuesday, saying it violated several UN Security Council resolutions.