North Korea announced on Thursday that it had conducted tests of a tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a "super-large" warhead and a strategic cruise missile , according to state media reports.
Official Korean Central News Agency ( KCNA ) said the tests were "guided" by its supreme leader Kim Jong Un , who pressed on the importance of strengthening the country's military capabilities for self-defense. "The military and political situation in the region indicates that the work for bolstering up the military capability for self-defence should be the most important affair," he said..
KCNA reported that the "new-type tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5" was equipped with a "4.5 tonnage super-large conventional warhead." The missile was tested to verify its accuracy at a medium range of 320 km and "the explosive power of its warhead". Additionally, North Korea conducted a test-fire of an improved strategic cruise missile, which has been upgraded for combat use.
Experts suggest that Kim's numerous missile launches this year may be connected to North Korea's alleged illicit supply of weapons to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, North Korea has denied any involvement in sanctions-busting weapons trade with Russia.
North Korea has recently strengthened its military ties with Russia, with President Vladimir Putin visiting Pyongyang in June and signing a mutual defense agreement with Kim. Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu also visited Pyongyang last weekend, and North Korea's foreign minister traveled to Russia earlier this week.
Furthermore, North Korea is preparing for a parliamentary meeting in October, which is expected to approve measures that will likely escalate tensions with South Korea. These measures may include incorporating the hostile relationship between the two Koreas into North Korea's constitution.
Official Korean Central News Agency ( KCNA ) said the tests were "guided" by its supreme leader Kim Jong Un , who pressed on the importance of strengthening the country's military capabilities for self-defense. "The military and political situation in the region indicates that the work for bolstering up the military capability for self-defence should be the most important affair," he said..
KCNA reported that the "new-type tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5" was equipped with a "4.5 tonnage super-large conventional warhead." The missile was tested to verify its accuracy at a medium range of 320 km and "the explosive power of its warhead". Additionally, North Korea conducted a test-fire of an improved strategic cruise missile, which has been upgraded for combat use.
Experts suggest that Kim's numerous missile launches this year may be connected to North Korea's alleged illicit supply of weapons to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, North Korea has denied any involvement in sanctions-busting weapons trade with Russia.
North Korea has recently strengthened its military ties with Russia, with President Vladimir Putin visiting Pyongyang in June and signing a mutual defense agreement with Kim. Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu also visited Pyongyang last weekend, and North Korea's foreign minister traveled to Russia earlier this week.
Furthermore, North Korea is preparing for a parliamentary meeting in October, which is expected to approve measures that will likely escalate tensions with South Korea. These measures may include incorporating the hostile relationship between the two Koreas into North Korea's constitution.
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