North Korea tests new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying 4.5-ton warhead

North Korea announced it successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile on Monday, capable of carrying a 4.5-ton super-large warhead, the official state news agency KCNA reported on Tuesday. This announcement follows South Korea's report of two ballistic missile launches by North Korea, noting that the second missile likely failed shortly after launch and exploded over land. KCNA did not mention this second missile.

The new missile, named Hwasongpho-11 Da-4.5, was tested with a simulated heavy warhead to verify its flight stability and accuracy. Details about the simulated warhead were not disclosed. North Korea's Missile Administration plans another launch of the same missile type in July to test the explosion power of the super-large warhead, a rare disclosure of a future missile launch plan.

Why This Matters: The Hwasongpho-11, or Hwasong-11, is part of a series of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) developed by North Korea, also known as KN-23 and KN-24. South Korea’s military identified the first missile launched by the North on Monday as a KN-23, which flew approximately 600 km (373 miles). This missile type is believed to have been supplied by North Korea to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian authorities who examined debris from missiles launched by Russia since December.

Despite North Korea and Russia denying any arms trade, their military ties have strengthened since their leaders met in Russia in September, pledging closer cooperation. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met again in Pyongyang, signing a pact on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including a mutual defense agreement.

South Korean officials suggest that North Korea's recent short-range ballistic missile launches may be intended to showcase its military technology to potential buyers. The second missile launched on Monday flew about 120 km and likely fell inland in North Korea, according to South Korean military reports.

North Korea has rapidly developed a range of ballistic missiles in recent years, naming them with the Hwasong identifier, which is Korean for Mars. On Tuesday, the North's ruling Workers’ Party Central Committee concluded four days of policy meetings led by Kim Jong Un. The report highlighted progress in the industrial and agricultural sectors during the first half of the year and set goals for the second half. Unlike previous meetings, there was minimal mention of defense or foreign policy, with only brief directions given for the armed forces.

Key Takeaways:

• North Korea tested a new missile, plans another launch in July.
• Hwasongpho-11 missile capable of carrying a 4.5-ton warhead.
• South Korea reports possible KN-23 missile supplied to Russia.
• North Korea-Russia military cooperation strengthens with new pact.
• Kim Jong Un sets goals for industrial and agricultural sectors.