- U.S. Forces Korea condemned North Korea’s October 22 hypersonic missile launches as unlawful and destabilizing.
- North Korean state media said two projectiles hit their targets during a strategic deterrence test observed by senior officials.
U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has issued a statement condemning North Korea’s latest round of missile launches, calling them “unlawful and destabilizing actions” that defy United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The response came hours after Pyongyang’s state media claimed it had successfully tested a new hypersonic weapon system on October 22.
“We are fully aware of the DPRK’s multiple ballistic missile launches and their relentless pursuit of long-range missile capabilities,” USFK said in a statement. “The United States condemns these unlawful and destabilizing actions, and we call on the DPRK to refrain from further acts in violation of the UNCSCR.”
USFK emphasized ongoing coordination with South Korean defense counterparts, stating that “our focus is on maintaining the readiness required to defend the homelands.” The command also reaffirmed its position on alliance posture, stating, “The U.S. commitment to the ROK-U.S. Alliance is ironclad. There is no substitute for being ready.”
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea’s Missile Administration carried out the test of a “new weapon system” as part of a broader defense capability development program. The launches were observed by top military and party officials, including Pak Jong Chon, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea; Kim Jong Sik, first vice department director of the WPK Central Committee; and Jang Chang Ha, general director of the Missile Administration.
KCNA said that the weapon system was tested “to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence against potential enemies.” Two hypersonic projectiles were reportedly launched from Ryokpho District in Pyongyang toward a target area in North Hamgyong Province. The missiles are said to have successfully struck their intended point on the tableland of Kwesang Peak in Orang County.
Pak Jong Chon was quoted as saying that the development demonstrated “steadily upgrading self-defensive technical capabilities of the DPRK.” He described the system as a “weapon of new strategic value” and praised the research team’s progress under the authorization of the Party Central Military Commission.
Washington’s response underlines a consistent message from the U.S. defense establishment: that North Korea’s weapons development efforts are unacceptable under international law and that the United States remains prepared to respond in coordination with regional allies.
The U.S. and South Korea have continued joint military drills in recent months, amid a rising pace of missile activity from the North. U.S. officials have warned that North Korea is accelerating its testing cycle to improve delivery platforms and complicate regional security calculations.
While North Korea has framed the hypersonic launch as a sovereign right tied to self-defense, U.S. Forces Korea reiterated that such acts undermine regional stability. The U.S. military presence on the peninsula, USFK said, remains focused on deterrence and defense.