北朝鮮「極超音速ミサイル」試射　新たな脅威、「初期段階」と韓国

　【ソウル時事】朝鮮中央通信は２９日、北朝鮮の国防科学院が２８日に内陸部の慈江道・竜林郡から新たに開発された極超音速ミサイル「火星８」の初めての発射実験を行ったと伝えた。日韓などが探知した短距離ミサイルと推定される飛翔（ひしょう）体を指すとみられる。極超音速ミサイルは高速で飛行し、既存のミサイル防衛システムでの迎撃は困難とされる。完成すれば周辺国にとって新たな脅威となる。（2021/09/29-16:29）

North Korea's state-run news agency reported Wednesday that the country's Academy of National Defense Science conducted its first test-firing of a newly developed hypersonic missile the previous day.
   The Korean Central News Agency was apparently referring to the short-range missile that was fired eastward from the inland province of Jagang in North Korea. The missile launch was detected by Japan, South Korea and others.
   The KCNA reported that the missile called Hwasong-8 was test-fired in Jagang. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not present at the missile launch site. Pak Jong Chon, a senior official of the political bureau of the ruling Workers' Party, observed the test-firing.
   It is believed to be difficult to intercept hypersonic missiles with existing missile defense systems as they travel at least five times the speed of sound. The United States, China and Russia are competing in developing such missiles.
   The KCNA said that the development of hypersonic missiles is one of most important projects included in North Korea's five-year plan to develop its national defense and weapon systems.