North Korea conducted tests of new tactical ballistic missiles with super-large warheads and modified cruise missiles as leader Kim Jong Un called for stronger conventional weapons and nuclear capabilities. Kim stated that these tests are necessary due to the grave threat posed by outside forces to the country’s security. The missile tests were reported by South Korea’s military, marking the second time in a week that North Korea test-launched missiles. The tests involved the new tactical ballistic Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 missile with a 4.5-ton super-large conventional warhead.
North Korea also recently unveiled a uranium enrichment facility, showcasing its ongoing efforts to bolster its nuclear capabilities. The country’s state media reported the tests as a success, showing a projectile hitting a target in a hilly area. South Korea’s military confirmed that two ballistic missiles landed in a mountainous area in the North’s northeast region.
Experts believe that North Korea may be trying to bolster its military capabilities to shorten the time needed for Russia to potentially want the missile for their own use. Additionally, there are signs that some of the missiles used by Russia in the war against Ukraine may be North Korean-made. North Korea has criticized military drills by South Korea and the U.S. as preparations for war on the Korean peninsula, while the allies maintain that the drills are defensive in nature to maintain readiness against North Korean aggression.
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