Commander stated that North Korea will likely develop hypersonic vehicles and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles within a year.
The statement was made by General Xavier T. Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, during a Senate hearing in Washington. He emphasized that the North Korean regime continues to advance its weapons programs despite increasing international isolation.
According to Brunson, North Korea has already conducted more than 47 ballistic missile launches and is investing in the development of cruise missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles. There are also suspicions that North Korean weapons and troops are being sent to Russia, as part of a new national strategy that now prioritizes sovereignty over the previous goal of reunification with South Korea.
This shift in focus can be seen in actions such as reinforcing the South Korean border, refusing to engage in reunification talks, and demolishing monuments dedicated to Korean unity.
Brunson also noted that the U.S. is prepared to impose costs on Russia and China in potential maritime confrontations and will continue to act as a deterrent against North Korean threats.
Source: Defence Connect | AI-generated illustration / Condutta | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
During a Senate Armed Services Committee posture hearing, April 10, in Washington, U.S. Forces Korea’s commander testified that North Korea is continuing to develop its weapons program while growing more isolated.
🔗https://t.co/yupNsvKEYq pic.twitter.com/WDxilP1bPF
— U.S. Forces Korea (@USForcesKorea) April 11, 2025
