Pyongyang:North Korea conducted a test of a cluster warhead for a tactical ballistic missile to evaluate its combat applicability and destructive power, as reported by state media on Sunday.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Missile Administration conducted the test on Saturday, with oversight from Gen. Kim Jong Sik, who is a member of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea and first deputy director of a department of the party's Central Committee.
North Korea's Ballistic Missile Systems Research Institute and Warhead Research Institute stated that the test confirmed the country's "Type-2 standard cluster warhead" could devastate a target area of approximately 12 to 13 hectares (29 to 32 acres) at an "ultra-high density."
The head of the Missile Administration noted that North Korea categorizes its cluster warheads into four types, including special-purpose and standard types. Pyongyang aims to make all four types available to military units by the end of the year, enabling them to select warheads based on operational objectives and target characteristics.
The Missile Administration characterized the test as part of regular scientific research to enhance the destructive power of its weapons systems.