CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Mars Type 8) is a North Korean missile claimed to be mounting a hypersonic glide vehicle, which was first tested on 14 September 2021. The first launch occurred in September, in a month with a total of four missile launches.

Detailed explanation-2: -Hypersonic missiles were listed among the “top priority” tasks for strategic weapons in North Korea’s current five-year plan, and it announced its first test – of the Hwasong-8 – in September last year. The Wednesday launch also tested the “fuel ampoule system under winter weather conditions", according to KCNA.

Detailed explanation-3: -Now Russia has said it launched its Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missile at, among other targets, a weapons depot in western Ukraine – making it the first country to ever test this type of missile in combat. So, what are these new types of missiles and why are they significant?

Detailed explanation-4: -North Korea’s test of a hypersonic missile last year sparked concerns about the race to acquire the technology, which is led by Russia, followed by China and the US. The US Air Force successfully tested two Lockheed Martin hypersonic missiles in July 2022, fired from a B-52 bomber.

Detailed explanation-5: -Russian warship armed with hypersonic missiles to join drills with China, S. Africa.