DPRK tests a new type of ballistic missile

North Korea test-fired a new type of ballistic missile and a modernized cruise missile.

South Korea’s military reported that the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 missile is capable of carrying a warhead weighing 4.5 tons.

The day before, the South Korean military reported that North Korea had launched several short-range ballistic missiles in the northeast direction on Wednesday at about 6:50 a.m. (00:50 Moscow time).

The missiles flew about 400 kilometers. South Korea strongly condemned the launch, saying it threatened peace and security in the region.

The new type of tactical ballistic missile was equipped with an ultra-large warhead with conventional charges weighing 4.5 tons.

The purpose of the test launch was to confirm the accuracy of the missile hitting the target at a distance of up to 320 km and the explosive power of the super-large warhead.

A modernized strategic cruise missile was also tested, with its power increased.

Photos published by KCNA capture the missile hitting a ground target.

This is probably the first time that the DPRK has released photos of missile tests against targets on land, as it usually launches missiles in the water off its east or west coast.

The ultra-large warhead is on the list of new weapons that Kim Jong-un promised to develop in 2021 at the congress of the ruling DPRK Workers’ Party, along with a military satellite and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Seoul also reminded that such ballistic missile launches by North Korea are a violation of a number of UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit Pyongyang from developing missile weapons programs.

Previously, North Korea adapted the Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead to install short-range ballistic missiles and MLRS.