We're no longer seeing dozens of tests in fairly quick succession the likes of which we saw in 2017, for example. Each test now appears to be pushing their capabilities forward in a seemingly more measured way. North Korea claims that it has successfully launched a hypersonic missile accomplishing one of Kim Jong un's stated priorities. Exact specifications are unknown but missiles with hypersonic glide vehicles can theoretically fly as fast as 20 times the speed of sound and can be very maneuverable in flight This would make it almost impossible to shoot down. Some experts say it could change the military equation in the region. North Korea also says it has successfully launched a ballistic missile from a submarine. A way of getting past the missile defense systems of its neighbors or the United States. But other experts do point out that the quality of that submarines is low, so that threat is not imminent. Test firing a ballistic missile from a train which enables a missile launched from the mountainous area that would be difficult to predict or track. And intercontinental ballistic missiles that North Korea claims could hit mainland United States. In March, 2022 North Korea test fired what it called a new type of ICBM believed to have been unveiled at a military parade in 2020. It appeared to fly higher, travel further and spend longer in flight than any missile before. Experts believe it could potentially carry multiple nuclear warheads or decoys. Again,to get past those missile defense systems, no one knows for sure how many nuclear weapons Pyongyang currently possesses. Arms Control Association estimates that it has potentially produced enough fissile material for 40 to 50 nuclear warheads. Then North Korea remains one of the poorest nations in the world. It is heavily sanctioned by United Nations Security Council resolutions, and yet it still poses a significant threat to the region. and to the world. Kim Jong un himself has called these weapons precious, saying they're needed for self-defense and also for survival. And he is not willing to give them up. He also continues to blame the US for rising tensions in the region.