North Korea announced on Monday that it had successfully conducted a test of a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a large warhead. However, doubts arose when South Korea reported that one of the two missiles appeared to explode in the air.
The missile, named Hwasong-11Da-4.5, was launched and is said to be capable of carrying a 4.5-ton warhead. The test aimed to verify the missile’s flight stability and accuracy at ranges from 90 km to 500 km.
North Korea has designated this missile as the third version of the Hwasong-11, which is based on the Russian Iskander missile. The missile’s quasi-ballistic trajectory allows for precise impact and stability.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that the launches took place from South Hwanghae province, with one missile traveling about 600 km and the other approximately 120 km before disappearing from radar. This launch follows a recent failed missile test on June 26, which raises concerns about North Korea’s ongoing military activities. Kim Jong Un’s regime denounced military exercises conducted by South Korea, the United States, and Japan, warning of “fatal consequences.”
Tensions between North and South Korea are escalating, with Pyongyang stepping up weapons tests and engaging in provocative actions like sending balloons laden with garbage into the South. This exchange of hostilities adds to the already strained relationship between the two nations
