Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
North Korea said it had tested cluster warheads for its short-range ballistic missiles, claiming they could devastate an area of up to 13 hectares, as Pyongyang continues to expand its weapons capabilities amid heightened tensions with South Korea.
The test was conducted October 31, with the country’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reporting that defense officials had confirmed the effectiveness of the Standard Type 2 cluster warhead.
Officials said it was capable of “turning into ashes a target area of 12 to 13 hectares with its highest-density power,” according to the news agency.
Images released alongside the report showed Hwasong-11D short-range ballistic missiles being launched, with their warheads striking an island target. KCNA described the event as a “major” weapons test.
The country’s Missile Administration said the test was part of regular scientific research aimed at improving the capabilities of its combat systems.
An unnamed senior official said North Korea had developed four categories of cluster warheads for different purposes and would enable military units to select them according to operational requirements and the characteristics of individual targets.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un did not attend the test, which was overseen by Gen. Kim Jong Sik, a senior official involved in developing the country’s munitions program.
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
The demonstration follows a series of other weapons development activities. Last week, Kim called for North Korea to achieve “absolute superiority” in drone technology during an exhibition and demonstration of unmanned aerial systems, including platforms that Pyongyang says incorporate artificial intelligence.
Earlier this month, North Korea also reported testing a new type of precision-guided torpedo system using artificial intelligence for target detection and guidance, following what it described as successful tests of two types of submarine-launched cruise missiles.
The latest ballistic missile test comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea recently confirmed the unusual deployment of a North Korean artillery piece near the heavily fortified border between the two countries.
Pyongyang could also be seeking to strengthen its position ahead of a possible meeting between Kim and United States President Donald Trump at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, soon. Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of talks with the North Korean leader, although Kim has yet to publicly respond.
The U.S., South Korea and Japan have meanwhile reaffirmed their commitment to North Korea’s “complete denuclearization,” as Pyongyang continues to reject disarmament.
North Korea has enshrined its status as a nuclear-armed state in law, with Kim and other senior officials repeatedly ruling out relinquishing the country’s nuclear weapons.
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