World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
North Korea says it tested dispersal warhead for cruise missile
North Korea says it tested a dispersal warhead for a strategic cruise missile on Monday.
The announcement follows a test on October 31 of a cluster warhead for a tactical ballistic missile.
The two tests involved different types of missiles, which North Korea says it is developing as part of a wider weapons program.
Cluster weapons release many smaller explosive devices across an area, and unexploded devices can remain dangerous to civilians.
North Korea says the new warhead could affect five to six hectares, but that claim has not been independently verified.
Its readiness for use and range are unknown, so the tests do not establish how the system would perform in service.
North Korea has said it plans to field several types of cluster warheads by the end of the year.
North Korea said it tested a dispersal warhead for a strategic cruise missile on November 2.
State media said the warhead could destroy a target area of 5 to 6 hectares.
The tests also assessed the missile’s vertical strike capability and terminal maneuverability.
General Kim Jong-sik oversaw the tests, according to state media.
North Korea said the tests were part of scheduled research and development work to improve missile capabilities.
- Who
- North Korea’s Missile Administration conducted the tests, overseen by General Kim Jong-sik.
- What
- North Korea tested a dispersal warhead for a strategic cruise missile and assessed the missile’s vertical strike capability.
- When
- November 2, according to the reports.
- Where
- North Korea. A more specific location was not stated.
- Why
- North Korea said the tests were part of research and development to improve weapon capabilities and protect the country against threats.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
North Korea tested a cluster warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, according to Handelsblatt.
KCNA released a photo of a test of a cluster warhead for tactical ballistic missiles conducted the previous day, Yonhap reported.
North Korea conducted tests of a dispersal warhead for a strategic cruise missile, according to the reports.
State media reported the cruise missile warhead test.
- Test date
- November 2, 2026
- Warhead
- Medium-sized dispersal warhead for a strategic cruise missile
- Claimed target area
- 5 to 6 hectares
- Test supervisor
- General Kim Jong-sik
- Additional test focus
- Vertical strike capability and terminal maneuverability
6 sources
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What people are saying
It has been confirmed that the medium-sized cluster warhead installed on the cruise missile is capable of destroying targets with a high concentration of strikes across an area of 5-6 hectares
The necessity of developing a variety of weapon systems is urgent than ever before. It is because our armed forces should defend the security of the country and deter all sorts of threats
practical combat power
These tests constitute a fundamental test and also demonstrate a real combat capability