North Korea conducts testing of new ‘super-large warhead’ and anti-ship missile

North Korea continues to flex its military muscle with the recent testing of a “super-large warhead” for its strategic cruise missiles and a new anti-aircraft missile, according to state-run media reports on Saturday.

The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced that the DPRK Missile Administration conducted a power test of the warhead for the ‘Hwasal-1 Ra-3’ strategic cruise missile and a test launch of the ‘Pyoljji-1-2’ new-type anti-aircraft missile in the West Sea of Korea. The tests were described as part of the country’s efforts to rapidly develop new weapon systems.

While the specific goals achieved in the tests were not disclosed, North Korea uses the term “strategic” to indicate weapons that could potentially carry nuclear warheads. The KCNA report emphasized that the tests were routine activities and not related to regional security concerns.

This latest round of testing comes on the heels of North Korea’s recent launch of a new type of intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle. In addition to ballistic missiles, the country has been actively testing strategic cruise missiles and submarine-launched weapons this year.

Experts have raised concerns about the unique threat posed by cruise missiles, which can fly at low altitudes and maneuver, making them harder to intercept compared to traditional ballistic weapons. Unlike ballistic missiles, North Korea’s cruise missiles are not prohibited under UN sanctions.

The international community will be closely monitoring North Korea’s military activities as tensions in the region remain high.