North Korea announced that it has successfully conducted a test launch to evaluate the power of a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a cluster warhead. On the 20th, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, “On the 19th, the Missile General Bureau carried out a test launch to assess the power of the warhead of the improved surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile ‘Hwasong-11Ra’.” Kim Jong-un, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, observed the test launch of the short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile equipped with a cluster warhead containing dozens to hundreds of submunitions, along with his daughter Ju-ae.
According to KCNA on the 20th, the Missile General Bureau conducted the test launch the day before to evaluate the power of the improved surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile ‘Hwasong-11Ra.’ KCNA noted that this test launch aimed to confirm the characteristics and effectiveness of the dispersion warhead (cluster warhead) and fragmentation mine warhead applied to the tactical ballistic missile. It further claimed, “The five tactical ballistic missiles launched towards the target area centered on the island target at the 136 km boundary hit an area of 12.5 to 13 hectares with very high density.”
‘Hwasong-11’ refers to the ‘North Korean version of Iskander,’ KN-23, and the cluster and fragmentation mine warheads are designed to enhance lethality by including submunitions or metal fragments. North Korea conducted test launches of the cluster warhead of the Hwasong-11-type between the 6th and 8th.
KCNA reported that Kim Jong-un expressed “great satisfaction” with the test launch results. He stated, “With the development and introduction of various types of dispersion warheads, we can more fully and effectively meet the operational needs of our military.” He emphasized that improving the ability for high-density suppression strikes on specific target areas is of great significance, along with enhancing precision strike capability.
Kim Jong-un also remarked, “The techniques and records that we have acquired and renewed today clearly show that the organization of the missile warhead specialist group and the dedication of five years have not been in vain.” The test launch was attended by Kim Jong-sik, First Deputy Director of the Central Committee, Jang Chang-ha, Director of the Missile General Bureau, An Yong-hwan, Commander of the First Corps of the People’s Army, Ju Seong-nam, Commander of the Second Corps, Jeong Myeong-nam, Commander of the Fourth Corps, and Ri Jeong-guk, Commander of the Fifth Corps.