N. Korea leader says new hypersonic missile system can deter Pacific 'rivals'

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un said that a new hypersonic missile system used in a test launch on Monday would help deter the country's rivals in the Pacific, the KCNA state news agency reported.

Kim said the missile flew for 1,500 kilometers beyond the 1,100-kilometre figure given by South Korea's military and travelled at 12 times the speed of sound before landing in water.

This is clearly a plan and effort for self-defense, not an offensive plan and action.

"The development of the defense capabilities of the DPRK aiming to be a military power will be further accelerated," Kim said.

Its previous launch was in November, when it test-fired what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile.