North Korea says it tested a cluster warhead designed for a strategic cruise missile on Monday, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The announcement came days after Pyongyang reported testing a cluster warhead for a tactical ballistic missile on October 31.
The reports describe tests involving two different missile types. Cruise missiles fly at low altitude and can be guided during flight, unlike ballistic missiles. Cluster munitions release numerous smaller explosive devices across a wide area. They are internationally condemned because their effects are difficult to control, and unexploded bomblets can remain dangerous to civilians long after an attack.
North Korea said the warhead tested for the cruise missile could devastate an area of five to six hectares. The claim could not initially be independently verified. It is not known whether the system is ready for deployment or what range it has.
Sources: Handelsblatt.