North Korea announced the launch of a new Hwasong-11 Ra ballistic missile in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un, as part of what it described as a series of tests to develop and modernize its tactical missile capabilities.
The Hwasong-11 Ra is classified as an improved short-range tactical surface-to-surface ballistic missile, part of the Hwasong-11 family of missiles that focuses on accuracy and destructive power over limited ranges.
North Korean state media said the missile launch was conducted to test the warhead’s capability and verify the system’s reliability in striking targets within designated areas, thereby enhancing tactical threats along nearby operational axes.
The Korean Central News Agency published the report a day after the South Korean military detected several short-range ballistic missiles launched toward the East Sea from the Sinpo area in North Korea.
KCNA said the purpose of the test launch was to assess the power of the "cluster bomb warhead and fragmentation mine warhead" mounted on the weapons system.
A KCNA report said that five missiles struck the target area near an island about 136 kilometers away with "very high density," clearly demonstrating their combat capability.
Kim expressed his "great satisfaction" with the test launch, saying: "It is of great significance... in enhancing the capability to deliver high-density strikes to suppress a designated target area, as well as the ability to carry out highly precise strikes."
The report added: "The development and introduction of various cluster warheads can meet the operational demands of the Korean People's Army in a more satisfactory and effective manner."
The leader also encouraged the scientific research teams responsible for weapons development, expressing hope that they would continue their "important tasks of acquiring and upgrading various cutting-edge technologies necessary for our army’s combat readiness."
