North Korea announced on Tuesday that it had successfully tested a new ballistic missile with a “super-large warhead,” further escalating an arms race with South Korea. The Hwasong-11Da-4.5 missiles were launched on Monday, each carrying a 4.5-ton dummy warhead, significantly heavier than typical ballistic missile payloads. South Korea, however, accused North Korea of exaggerating its capabilities, pointing out that one missile crashed during an “abnormal” flight.
The United States has accused North Korea of supplying similar missiles to Russia, a claim denied by both countries. This recent test marks the second major weapons test by North Korea following a meeting between leader Kim Jong-un and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.
South Korea has been increasing its military spending in response to the growing nuclear threat from North Korea. The country has developed its own ballistic missiles with large warheads meant to target North Korea’s underground bunkers and nuclear arsenal. In 2020, South Korea claimed to have developed one of the largest warheads in the world, with plans for even larger warheads in the future.
Mr. Putin’s recent visit to Pyongyang raised concerns about potential collaboration between Russia and North Korea in missile development. North Korea hailed the recent missile test as a significant success, with plans for further testing later this month. Kim Jong-un has used Workers’ Party meetings to assert power and lay out policy goals, with delegates wearing pins bearing his image in a show of support.
Source
Photo credit www.nytimes.com
