North Korea claims successful test of cluster warhead and vertical-strike missile

North Korea has claimed it successfully tested a cluster warhead for a strategic cruise missile, alongside its ability to strike targets using a vertical trajectory, according to South Korean media reports citing state news agency Yonhap.

The North Korean Institute of Warheads said the test confirmed the capabilities of a medium-sized cluster warhead capable of covering an area of five to six hectares at maximum strike density.

The regime has previously announced plans to introduce different types of cluster warheads by the end of the year. Similar munitions for tactical ballistic missiles were tested last Saturday.

North Korea’s Institute of Cruise Missile Systems also claimed the missile had achieved full vertical-strike capability through improvements to its control during the final stage of flight.

South Korean analysts believe the technology could be intended to target underground military facilities and tunnels. A vertical trajectory could increase impact speed and destructive power.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said its military maintained operational readiness and possessed precision-strike capabilities significantly more advanced than those claimed by Pyongyang.

Cluster munitions scatter smaller explosives over wide areas, with unexploded devices posing long-term risks to civilians. North Korea is not a signatory to the 2008 convention banning their use, production and stockpiling.

via UA