On Monday, North Korea rolled out a new dispersal warhead on a strategic cruise missile, according to state news agency KCNA. The missile test was carried out in the country’s northern testing zone, and the agency described the payload as capable of “turning into ashes a target area of 5 to 6 hectares with its highest‑density power.”
Ministry officials said the test was part of routine scientific research to enhance the armed forces’ deterrence capability. The missile’s flight characteristics were evaluated for a vertical strike approach, with improvements in terminal‑phase maneuverability noted by the Missile Administration’s Cruise Missile System Institute.
Warhead Institute spokesperson noted that the medium‑sized dispersal warhead mounted on the cruise missile can destroy a target area of 5 to 6 hectares.
"The medium‑sized dispersal warhead mounted on the cruise missile is capable of turning into ashes a target area of 5 to 6 hectares with its highest‑density power," the Warhead Institute said.
Reuters also reported the test, stating that the state news agency KCNA described it as a demonstration of the country’s missile‑testing program. The report added that the missile was evaluated for vertical strike flight characteristics.
