North Korea Conducts Cluster Bomb Test Under Kim Jong-un's Supervision
North Korea's Recent Missile Launch
File image of Kim Jong Un and his daughter observing the cluster bomb test in its recent launch (Photo: @Archange_Shadow/X)
Seoul, April 20: North Korea has successfully tested cluster bombs during its latest launch of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, as reported by state media on Monday.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) detailed the launch of the Hwasong-11 Ra tactical ballistic missile, which occurred shortly after South Korea's military detected multiple short-range ballistic missiles fired towards the East Sea from North Korea's Sinpho region at approximately 6:10 a.m.
According to KCNA, the objective of this test was to assess the effectiveness of the "cluster bomb warhead and fragmentation mine warhead" integrated into the missile system.
Five missiles successfully hit a designated target area near an island, covering around 13 hectares and located about 136 kilometers away, demonstrating a "very high density" of strikes, as stated in the KCNA report.
Images released showed Kim's daughter, Ju-ae, who is thought to be groomed as his successor, present during the weapon test on Sunday.
Kim expressed his "great satisfaction" with the test-launch, emphasizing its significance in enhancing the high-density striking capability to effectively target specific areas, as well as improving precision.
The report further noted that the development of various cluster bomb warheads would better meet the operational needs of the Korean People's Army.
Kim also encouraged the scientific research teams involved in weapon development, expressing hope for their continued efforts to acquire and modernize essential technologies for the army's combat readiness.
Present at the test launch were Kim Jong-sik, a member of the Central Military Commission; Jang Chang-ha, head of the Missile Administration; and commanders from frontline military units.
This launch follows North Korea's test of multiple short-range ballistic missiles on April 8, where state media reported the firing of a tactical ballistic missile equipped with a cluster bomb warhead, claiming it could devastate targeted areas with high-density power.
South Korea's Office of National Security condemned the recent missile launch from the North, labeling it a breach of UN Security Council resolutions and demanding an immediate cessation of North Korea's missile provocations.
Cluster bombs are designed to release numerous submunitions, enabling them to strike multiple targets across a broad area. This type of weapon has been utilized by Iran in the ongoing Middle East conflict, challenging Israel's air defense systems.
The North's report indicates that the recent test involved launching cluster bombs and airborne fragmentation mines attached to missile warheads.
Additionally, KCNA released images of a missile being launched from a seawall, deploying cluster bombs that impacted an islet, marking the first time the country has shared visuals of a cluster bomb test, according to reports.
This also marks the North's first official mention of the Hwasong-11 Ra ballistic missile, previously referred to as a new tactical ballistic missile.
The 136-km range demonstrated in this launch could reach Seoul and extend to the US military base in Pyeongtaek and Osan Air Base if aimed southward, as noted by Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
This missile bridges the range gap between North Korea's multiple rocket launchers and short-range missiles, allowing it to target the Seoul metropolitan area, he explained.
Yoon Min-ho, spokesperson for the South Korean unification ministry, remarked that this test launch seems to be part of North Korea's strategy to enhance its defense development plan established during the recent ninth congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.
During the congress, Kim emphasized the need to strengthen the deployment of multiple rocket launchers and tactical missiles to counter South Korea, he added.
The spokesperson also highlighted the unusual presence of several military commanders responsible for frontline units at the test.