North Korea Tests Ballistic Missile Capable of Carrying ‘Super-Large’ Warhead

North Korea Tests Ballistic Missile Capable of Carrying ‘Super-Large’ Warhead

North Korea successfully tested a new ballistic missile capable of carrying a massive conventional warhead, state media reported on Thursday. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missile, equipped with a 4.5-ton super-large warhead, was launched on Wednesday, with the test proceeding as planned.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the missile test, which aimed to assess the accuracy of a medium-range strike at 320 kilometers and the explosive power of the warhead, KCNA said. The same missile type had been previously tested in July.

South Korea’s military confirmed that multiple short-range ballistic missiles were launched from the northern part of Pyongyang, flying approximately 400 kilometers, according to Yonhap news agency.

North Korea’s missile launches, including this latest test, violate UN resolutions that prohibit the country from testing ballistic missiles of any range. Despite international sanctions, North Korea has significantly ramped up its missile testing in recent years, raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Pyongyang has also increased its military cooperation with Russia, heightening concerns among neighboring countries and the international community.