North Korea tests new ballistic missiles with extra-large warhead
Kim Jong Un, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (Getty Images)
North Korea has tested new ballistic missiles equipped with an oversized warhead, specifically the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, which is still under development, citing Reuters.
According to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who was present at the tests, the new ballistic missiles are necessary for the country due to what he claims is the "grave threat posed by outside forces to the security of the country."
During the tests, as mentioned above, the new tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 was used. It is part of a series of short-range ballistic missiles being produced in North Korea. The missile was equipped with a 4.5-ton oversized warhead.
"The particular missile with the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 designation is still under development but Russia may want it soon if its performance and reliability can be guaranteed through further testing," said Shin Sun Ki, head of North Korea's military research division at the state-run Korea Institute for Defense Analyses in Seoul.
North Korean missile launches
North Korea regularly conducts missile tests or launches, which raises significant concern in the West. For example, on September 12, reports emerged of several projectiles being launched towards the country's eastern waters. On the same day, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Pyongyang, emphasizing that such actions pose a threat to peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un said that his country is pursuing a policy of nuclear force development to increase its nuclear arsenal "exponentially."
