North Korea tested a new cluster bomb warhead on a ballistic missile and an electromagnetic weapon this week, state media KCNA reported yesterday, in a move seen as part of efforts by Pyongyang to showcase its capacity to fight a modern war.
The country’s Academy of Defence Science and the Missile Administration also conducted tests of carbon-fibre bombs and a mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system, KCNA said.
Kim Jong Sik, a general who oversaw the tests, said the electromagnetic weapon system and carbon-fibre bombs were “special assets” for North Korea’s military.
Analysts see the tests as likely to be a show of force in cutting-edge conventional weapon systems by the nuclear-armed North for its adversaries and allies.
Without specifying the number of ballistic missiles launched – a violation of United Nations sanctions – North Korea said it had tested its mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system as well as the combat capabilities of its tactical ballistic missile warhead.
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