North Korea has conducted a test of a “super-large warhead” designed for a strategic cruise missile, according to state media reports on Saturday. This test comes after Russia used its United Nations Security Council veto to end U.N. monitoring of sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear and weapons program.
Analysts have raised concerns that North Korea may be testing cruise missiles before sending them to Russia for use in Ukraine, despite U.N. sanctions prohibiting such actions. The DPRK Missile Administration conducted the power test of the warhead for the ‘Hwasal-1 Ra-3’ strategic cruise missile, as reported by KCNA news agency.
In addition to the warhead test, North Korea also carried out a test launch of the “‘Pyoljji-1-2’ new-type anti-aircraft missile in the West Sea of Korea”. Seoul’s military detected several cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles fired towards the Yellow Sea on Friday afternoon.
While the testing of cruise missiles is not banned under current U.N. sanctions, North Korea’s actions have raised concerns among neighboring countries. The country has declared South Korea its “principal enemy” this year and has threatened war over territorial infringements.
Experts believe that North Korea’s recent missile tests are aimed at improving the performance of its conventional weapons, including cruise missiles, in addition to its nuclear program. The country conducted a record number of missile tests last year in defiance of U.N. sanctions and has declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear weapons state.
North Korea’s military activities have drawn attention from the international community, with concerns about the country’s growing military capabilities and its ties with Russia. Pyongyang recently thanked Russia for vetoing the renewal of a panel of U.N. experts monitoring sanctions against North Korea.