North Korea tested strategic cruise missiles on Monday, state news agency KCNA reported Tuesday. The test followed a separate trial involving cluster munitions in recent days, according to the report.
KCNA said the latest launch was aimed at improving the missile’s terminal maneuverability and its ability to strike a target from above. It also reported that a medium-sized cluster warhead fitted to the cruise missile could affect an area of five to six hectares at maximum power.
A North Korean official said the test was conducted to protect the country’s security and deter threats. Cruise-missile tests, unlike ballistic-missile tests, are not subject to sanctions, the report said.
South Korea did not announce North Korean launches on Sunday or Monday. A spokesperson for its Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military does not disclose every projectile launch, with decisions based on factors including surveillance capabilities and operational security.
North Korea has carried out several weapons tests in recent weeks, KCNA’s report said, including trials involving attack drones, torpedoes, hypersonic missiles and fragmentation weapons.
Sources: Le Figaro.