North Korea conducted multiple weapons tests over a three-day period this week, including the launch of ballistic missiles and the firing of cluster munitions, according to state media on Thursday (Apr 9).
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the tests also involved a mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system, as part of ongoing efforts to develop and enhance its military capabilities.
The exercises were carried out on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, which KCNA described as routine work to upgrade weapons systems. South Korea’s military had earlier confirmed that Pyongyang fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles in two separate launches on Wednesday, alongside an “unidentified projectile” the previous day.
According to KCNA, the drills demonstrated that the surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11 Ka, equipped with a cluster warhead, was capable of destroying targets spanning an area of between 6.5 and 7 hectares.
Cluster munitions are widely condemned internationally due to their long-term danger to civilians, as they disperse multiple submunitions across large areas, many of which may not detonate immediately.
KCNA also said additional systems tested included an “electromagnetic weapon system” and “carbon fibre sham bomb scattering” devices, which it described as strategic assets. The agency added that some tests used low-cost materials to evaluate engine workload capacity.
South Korea’s military said one of the missiles launched on Wednesday travelled more than 700 kilometres, while an earlier round of launches saw missiles fly approximately 240 kilometres towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not reported to have attended the tests, and no official photographs have been released.
Analysts believe the launches, which mark North Korea’s fourth and fifth ballistic missile tests this year, signal renewed resistance to South Korea’s diplomatic outreach efforts.
Observers noted that recent remarks from Seoul expressing regret over drone incursions were initially welcomed by Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un, before tensions escalated again with renewed hostile rhetoric from Pyongyang.
Experts said the developments highlight Pyongyang’s continued frustration over stalled diplomatic progress, with little indication of renewed dialogue between the two Koreas in the near future.
