North Korea Claims Test of New Ballistic Missile with 'Super-Large' Warhead

North Korea Claims Test of New Ballistic Missile with Super-Large Warhead

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen successful tests of two types of tactical ballistic missiles, including one featuring a "super-large conventional warhead" and an "improved" cruise missile, according to North Korean state media.

The tests were reportedly in response to the “serious threat” posed by external forces to North Korea’s security, with Kim emphasizing this on Thursday, according to the state-run KCNA.

The missiles tested were Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, carrying a 4.5-tonne super-large conventional warhead, a weapon that North Korea had also tested in July, KCNA said.

Kim highlighted the importance of strengthening the country’s nuclear arsenal and developing the strongest military technical capabilities, along with overwhelming offensive power in conventional weaponry.

Some South Korean military officials and analysts suggest North Korea might be testing weapons for potential export to Russia. Although Pyongyang has denied trading weapons with Russia, the two countries have strengthened military ties.

Kim met with President Vladimir Putin in eastern Russia last year, and Putin visited Pyongyang in June, where both leaders signed a mutual defense agreement. Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu also visited Pyongyang last week.

Photos from KCNA showed Kim observing the tests, including a missile hitting a ground target. On Thursday, South Korea’s military confirmed that the ballistic and cruise missiles fired by North Korea the previous day had landed in the country's mountainous northeastern region.

North Korea usually conducts missile tests off its east coast, with missiles typically falling into the sea.