Kim Jong Un inspects test firing of large-caliber multiple rocket launcher [Pyongyang KCNA=Yonhap News]

North Korea has announced the successful test launch of a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile equipped with a cluster warhead.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on the 20th, "The Missile General Bureau conducted a test launch on the 19th to evaluate the combat effectiveness of the warhead of the improved ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missile 'Hwasongpho-11Ra'."

Kim Jong Un, chairman of the State Affairs Commission, observed the test launch on site with his daughter, Ju Ae.

The agency stated that the purpose of this test launch was "to confirm the characteristics and effectiveness of the scatter-type combat warhead (cluster warhead) and the fragmentation mine combat warhead applied to tactical ballistic missiles."

The Hwasongpho-11 refers to the "North Korean Iskander" KN-23, and the ballistic missile launched this time appears to be equipped with a cluster bomb (dispersal bomb) warhead and a fragmentation mine warhead. These warheads are designed to maximize lethality by incorporating submunitions (bomblets) or metal fragments.

North Korea had previously conducted a test launch of the scatter-type combat warhead for the 'Hwasongpho-11Ga' from the 6th to the 8th.

KCNA claimed, "The five tactical ballistic missiles launched towards the target area, centered on an island target at the 136 km line, struck an area of 12.5-13 hectares with very high density."

Chairman Kim stated, "With the development and introduction of scatter-type combat warheads for various purposes, we are now able to satisfy the operational needs of our army more fully and efficiently. Enhancing the capability for high-density suppression strikes on specific target areas, along with high-precision strike capabilities, holds significant importance in military action."

He added, "The technologies and records we have acquired and updated today clearly demonstrate that the five years dedicated to organizing a specialized research group for missile warheads were not in vain. This is a valuable outcome."

KCNA reported that Chairman Kim expressed "great satisfaction" with the results.

Those who attended this test launch included Kim Joeng Sik, First Deputy Director of the Party Central Committee; Jang Chang Ha, Director of the Missile General Bureau; and corps commanders An Yong Hwan (1st Corps), Ju Seong Nam (2nd Corps), Jeong Myeong Nam (4th Corps), and Ri Jeong Guk (4th Corps).

Previously, our military announced that North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea from the Sinpo area in South Hamgyong Province the previous day, and they flew approximately 140 km.