Kim oversaw 'hypersonic missile trial'

First test of the year for N Korea regime

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the test firing of hypersonic missiles on Sunday, state media KCNA reported, as he cited the need for Pyongyang to maintain a powerful nuclear deterrent in its first ballistic missile test of the year.

"It's a very important strategy to maintain or expand the strong and reliable nuclear deterrent," Mr Kim was quoted as saying in the KCNA report published yesterday, noting it was necessary because of "the recent geopolitical crisis and various international circumstances".

The North Korean leader did not specify what crisis he was referring to, but some analysts said it may be linked to the US strikes on Venezuela.

The missiles hit targets about 1,000 kilometres away, over the sea east of North Korea, KCNA said.