World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
North Korea test-fires strategic cruise missiles, state media says
North Korea said it test-fired strategic cruise missiles on Nov 2.
The launch came a day after it tested cluster bomb warheads, according to state media.
North Korea said the cruise missile test improved its ability to strike targets from above by changing the missile’s movement near the target.
The country said the weapons were meant to defend against outside threats.
Tensions with South Korea have risen after a landmine blast near their heavily fortified border wounded three South Korean soldiers.
South Korea did not announce the cruise missile launch, and its military says it does not publicise every projectile, citing security and surveillance concerns.
Cruise missile tests are not prohibited by UN sanctions, unlike ballistic missile launches, and South Korea and the United States are analysing the characteristics of recent North Korean launches.
North Korea test-fired strategic cruise missiles on Nov 2, state media reported the following day.
KCNA said the test improved the missile’s ability to strike a target vertically.
The launch followed a North Korean test of cluster bomb warheads, according to the report.
South Korea’s military did not announce the cruise missile launch.
Cruise missile tests are not prohibited by UN Security Council sanctions.
- Who
- North Korea conducted the test, according to state media.
- What
- It test-fired strategic cruise missiles. KCNA said the test improved the missiles’ terminal manoeuvrability.
- When
- The launch took place on Nov 2 and was reported on Nov 3.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- A North Korean official said the test was intended to defend the country’s security and deter threats.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
North Korea conducted a test that South Korea’s military did not announce.
North Korea test-fired strategic cruise missiles, a day after testing cluster bomb warheads.
North Korean state media reported the cruise missile test.
- Launch date
- Nov 2
- Reported by
- Korean Central News Agency
- Warhead target area
- 5 to 6 hectares
- South Korean military announcement
- Did not announce the cruise missile launch
- UN sanctions
- Cruise missile tests are not prohibited by UN Security Council sanctions
What people are saying
The middle-sized dispersal warhead tipped on the cruise missile is capable of turning into ashes a target area of 5 to 6 hectares with its highest-density power
because our armed forces should defend the security of the country and deter all sorts of threats
Our military does not announce all projectiles launched by North Korea