North Korea successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a 4.5-tonne “superlarge warhead,” state media reported.
The test of the Hwasongpho-11 Da-4.5 missile aimed to verify its flight stability and accuracy at a maximum range of 500km (310 miles) and a minimum range of 90km (55 miles), according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday. This announcement followed South Korea’s military report a day earlier of two North Korean ballistic missile launches, with the second reportedly failing and exploding midair over land.
KCNA did not mention the second missile nor provided details about the simulated warhead or the launch and landing sites. Unlike previous tests, North Korea did not release photos of Monday’s test, suggesting two separate launches to test both ranges.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) described the test as “deception,” noting one missile appeared to have failed early in flight, potentially causing debris to fall in North Korea. JCS spokesperson Lee Sung-joon stated it is extremely rare for inland test launches, doubting the success claimed by North Korea.
Military expert Shin Jongwoo pointed out the lack of photos raised questions about the test’s success. The Hwasongpho-11 series, known as KN-23 and KN-24, includes short-range ballistic missiles. The KN-23 is reportedly supplied to Russia and used in the Ukraine conflict, according to Ukrainian authorities examining missile debris since December. Both North Korea and Russia deny any arms trade.
In June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed “full support and solidarity” for Russia’s war in Ukraine during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang, where a mutual defence agreement was signed.
On Tuesday morning, the South Korean military conducted artillery drills near the Military Demarcation Line inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas. Pyongyang’s Missile Administration plans another missile launch this month to test the superlarge warhead’s “explosion power,” KCNA disclosed in a rare preview of future plans.
