North Korea has tested a cruise missile with a cluster warhead

North Korea tests cruise missile with a cluster warhead

North Korea has tested a strategic cruise missile equipped with a cluster warhead. Country's state media reported this on November 3, as announced by Yonhap news agency.

The Missile General Bureau conducted these tests on November 2. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the purpose of the test was to evaluate the power of such a warhead and the missile's vertical strike capability.

“The tests demonstrated the high power of the new warhead. This medium-sized warhead mounted on a cruise missile is capable of reducing an area of 5-6 hectares to ashes,” the report states.

The Cruise Missile Systems Institute stated that the missile adapted to the natural and geographical features of the target area. The organization perfected its ability to deliver a vertical strike by improving its final maneuvering capability.

“The necessity of developing diverse weapon systems is more urgent than ever. Because our armed forces must protect the country's security and prevent any threats,” said the director of the Missile General Bureau.

According to the bureau director, the conducted tests demonstrated the country's practical combat power.

North Korea has promised to introduce various types of cluster warheads into operation by the end of 2026. On October 31, the country also tested a cluster bomb that can be fitted to tactical ballistic missiles.

According to experts, North Korea aims to accurately strike South Korean forces' underground facilities and tunnel entrances through the missile's vertical strike capability. It is considered difficult to strike such targets horizontally or diagonally.

“This is a method of maximizing destructive power by utilizing gravitational acceleration to bring the missile to full speed before hitting the target,” said Shin Jong-woo, secretary general of the Korea Defense and Security Forum in Seoul.

The South Korean military stated on November 3 that it maintains “superior” capability and readiness to respond to any North Korean provocations.

“Our military has already developed precision strike capabilities and appropriate weapon systems that surpass North Korea's 20-year-old technology and maintains constant combat readiness,” Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman Capt. Jhang Do-young said at a press conference.