Summary: In April, North Korea successfully tested its second solid-fuel, hypersonic, intermediate-range ballistic missile, indicating significant advancements in its military capabilities. This follows an earlier test of a liquid-fuel hypersonic missile in 2021. The new missile features enhanced maneuverability and speed, characteristics that challenge traditional ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems in Northeast Asia. Analysts suggest that this development could lead to a shift in North Korea's missile strategy from liquid-fuel to solid-fuel systems, though the complete phase-out of liquid-fuel missiles is unlikely soon. The test raises concerns about regional security and the need for the U.S. and its allies to bolster BMD efforts. Speculation about North Korea's sudden progress points to potential technical assistance from Russia, linked to Pyongyang's support to Moscow with military systems amid the Ukraine conflict.

U.S. and South Korean military officials confirmed in April that North Korea had conducted its second test of a solid-fuel, hypersonic, intermediate-range ballistic missile. The test appears to have been successful.

The North Koreans already tested a liquid-fuel hypersonic missile in 2021. This is rather advanced technology, but the Russians and Chinese have already used it.

The tests raise several questions. What are the capabilities and........

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