North Korea tested a strategic cruise missile fitted with a dispersal warhead on Monday, the state news agency KCNA said, affirming the weapon’s ability to destroy a target area of 5‑ to 6‑hectares. Reuters noted the test evaluated the warhead’s flight characteristics for a vertical strike.
According to Xinhua, the DPRK Missile Administration described the days’ activities as part of routine scientific research designed to boost the armed forces’ deterrence capability. The agency also said the missile’s terminal maneuverability had been improved to suit vertical approach over varied terrain.
Both Xinhua and TASS reported that the medium‑sized cluster‑type dispersal warhead could turn a target area of 5‑ to 6‑hectares into ashes and that specialists were testing manoeuvrability during the terminal phase.
Reuters and the identified sources noted the test was conducted on a strategic cruise missile with the warhead designed for a vertical strike, a development the Missile Administration says helps protect the country against external threats. TASS added that the launch was supervised by a member of the Central Military Commission.
While the other outlets noted the test’s focus on combat system enhancement, Xinhua uniquely highlighted the test as part of a routine research program aimed at increasing the power of DPRK’s military capabilities.
