North Korea tested new tactical ballistic missiles equipped with super-large warheads and upgraded cruise missiles on Wednesday, as leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the need for stronger conventional weapons and enhanced nuclear capabilities, state news agency KCNA reported.
Kim, who oversaw the tests, stated that the upgrades were necessary due to the “grave threat” posed by external forces to the country’s security. The tests followed the launch of multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, reported by South Korea’s military, marking the second missile test by the North in a week.
In addition to the missile launches, North Korea last week revealed a uranium enrichment facility, its first public acknowledgment of such a site.
Kim underscored the importance of “continuing to strengthen the nuclear force and achieving the strongest military technical capabilities, as well as overwhelming offensive power in conventional weapons,” according to KCNA.
Wednesday’s tests included the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 tactical ballistic missiles, featuring a 4.5-ton super-large conventional warhead, as part of North Korea’s ongoing development of short-range ballistic missile systems.
KCNA noted that the same missile had been tested in July, where it saw partial success. On Thursday, state media released images of the missile striking a target in a hilly region. South Korea’s military confirmed that two ballistic missiles landed in a mountainous area in North Korea’s northeast.
Shin Seung-ki, head of North Korea military research at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses in Seoul, stated that testing a missile to strike an inland target is unusual. North Korea typically conducts missile tests over the sea or towards uninhabited islands.
The Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 missile remains under development, but Shin speculated that Russia might be interested in acquiring it if its reliability and performance are confirmed through further testing.
“North Korea will likely seek to expedite that process,” Shin said.
Some Kyiv officials and independent experts have suggested that missiles used by Russia in its war against Ukraine were of North Korean origin, including those reportedly manufactured this year. Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny involvement in any illicit arms trade.
North Korea also tested an upgraded strategic cruise missile designed for combat use, KCNA added.
Pyongyang has consistently criticized military exercises conducted by South Korea and the United States, including large-scale drills held this summer, labeling them as preparations for war on the Korean Peninsula.
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