North Korea claimed a successful flight test of a new solid-fuel intermediate-range missile with a hypersonic warhead. This launch, detected by South Korea and Japan, is part of North Korea’s efforts to enhance its weapons capabilities for striking remote U.S. targets. The missile flew about 1,000 kilometers, marking the country’s first ballistic test of 2024. The move follows North Korea’s recent engine tests for a solid-fuel intermediate-range missile. The use of solid propellants allows faster launch readiness and easier concealment. Tensions rise on the Korean Peninsula amid escalating weapons demonstrations by North Korea, raising concerns globally.