Kim Jong-un has said more evidence is needed to “contain and thwart” US plans in the region
The North Korean military has tested a new variant of its Hwasong-11 ballistic missile armed with a “super big” warhead, state media reported on Wednesday. The test was conducted in response to the “serious threat from external forces”, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said:
The test took place at an undisclosed location on North Korea’s east coast and was personally supervised by Kim, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The missile in question was a new version of the Hwasong-11 short-range ballistic missile, upgraded to carry a 4.5-tonne conventional warhead.
The Hwasong-11 has been in service since 2019. Similar in design to the US ATACMS, it is fired from a mobile launcher and has a maximum range of about 410 km (250 mi). North Korea has tested a version capable of carrying an intercontinental ballistic missile. “super big” warhead in July, but Wednesday’s test was the first conducted with such a warhead actually attached to the missile.
“Such tests and the constant improvement of the performance of weapons and equipment through them are directly related to the serious threat posed by external forces to the state security environment of (North Korea),” Kim was quoted by KCNA.
“Only when we have strong power can we contain and frustrate the enemies’ strategic errors of judgment.” He went on to stress that Pyongyang’s nuclear and conventional weapons must be constantly improved.
TO “Strategic cruise missile” A test-firing was also carried out on Wednesday, KCNA said.
The missile tests were condemned by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, who called them a provocation. “seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”
The tests came less than a month after the United States and South Korea concluded large-scale military exercises. While Washington and Seoul described the drills as defensive in nature, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry called them “provocative war exercises for aggression.”
Following a brief détente during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, the United States and South Korea have increased the scale and frequency of their military exercises in recent years. Pyongyang has responded by stepping up its missile testing program, firing more than 100 ballistic and cruise missiles since 2022.
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North Korea to expand its nuclear arsenal
North Korea has not tested a nuclear weapon since 2017, though Western military analysts have predicted since 2021 that such a test is imminent. In an apparent show of force last week, North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun newspaper published photos of Kim inspecting a uranium enrichment facility where hundreds of centrifuges could be seen.
In a speech on Monday to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the North Korean state, Kim pledged to “exponentially” Expand the country’s nuclear arsenal to counter “threats perpetrated by US imperialists” and their “vassal forces”.
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