SEOUL: North Korea has tested new tactical ballistic missiles using super-large warheads and modified cruise missiles as its leader Kim Jong Un called for stronger conventional arms and nuclear capabilities, according to official news agency KCNA.
KCNA cited Kim Jong Un as saying that the tests to enhance weapons capabilities are needed because of the grave threat posed by external forces to the security of the North Korea.
The development followed the firing of multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday reported by the South Korea’s military, which was the second time the North Korea test-launched missiles in a week.
Earlier, North Korea had revealed a uranium enrichment facility, in its first such public report. Kim Jong Un emphasized the need to continue to boost the nuclear force and have the strongest army technical ability and overwhelming offensive capability in the field of conventional arms too, according to the KCNA.
Wednesday’s tests also involved the new tactical ballistic Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 missiles, KCNA reported, signifying it was part of a series of short-range ballistic missiles. North Korea’s official media said the tests of missiles which was viewed a partial success. On Thursday, official media also released images of a projectile striking a target in a hilly region.
South Korea’s military also stated on Thursday that two ballistic missiles landed in a mountainous region in the North’s northeast.
