North Korea has conducted a new military test to evaluate a cluster warhead for tactical ballistic missiles. The test was carried out on Saturday and aimed to assess the efficiency of the cluster warhead and its suitability for use in combat conditions. The test was supervised by General Kim Jong Sik, a member of the Central Military Committee of the ruling Workers' Party and first deputy director of the Central Committee's department.
The cluster warhead is designed to release a large number of submunitions, allowing it to target wide areas and multiple targets simultaneously. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the cluster warhead has a high destructive power, capable of destroying an area of 12 to 13 hectares. The agency cited research institutes under the Missile Administration as saying that the warhead has a standard type II design.
North Korea plans to equip its military units with four different types of cluster warheads by the end of this year. The warheads are categorized into four types based on their military tasks, allowing military units to choose and use the suitable type according to the nature of the targets and operations. The development of cluster warheads is part of North Korea's efforts to enhance its military capabilities.
This latest test comes after North Korea announced in April that it had conducted a test of cluster bombs mounted on the tactical ballistic missile "Hwasong-11 Ra". That test was supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae. The development of cluster warheads is seen as a significant advancement in North Korea's military capabilities.
Cluster bombs are a type of munition that releases multiple submunitions over a wide area, causing damage to targets and potentially harming civilians. The use of cluster bombs has been criticized by human rights groups and some countries, citing concerns about their impact on civilians. However, North Korea has not commented on the international reaction to its development of cluster warheads.
The test of the cluster warhead is the latest in a series of military developments by North Korea. The country has been actively testing new military technologies and equipment in recent months, including ballistic missiles and other advanced systems. The tests have raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community about North Korea's military intentions.
The international community has called on North Korea to refrain from further military tests and to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. However, North Korea has continued to prioritize its military development, citing the need to protect its sovereignty and security. The country's military tests have also raised concerns about the potential for escalation and conflict in the region.
Key points
- North Korea conducts new military test to evaluate cluster warhead for tactical ballistic missiles
- Cluster warhead has high destructive power, capable of destroying 12-13 hectares
- North Korea plans to equip military units with four different types of cluster warheads by year's end
