N.Korea test-fires new ballistic missile with 'super-large warhead'

Kim Jong Un and senior DPRK officials observe the launch of the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 missile. Image- KCNA (Sept. 19, 2024)

North Korea's state-run media says the country has successfully test-fired a new type of tactical ballistic missile tipped with a "super-large warhead."

The Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday that leader Kim Jong Un guided the previous day's test firing of the Hwasong-11.

The report said the ballistic missile carried a 4.5 ton-class "super-large conventional warhead" and the test was aimed at verifying its explosive power.

Published photos showed a missile striking the ground and exploding.

The news agency quoted Kim as saying that having strong power will enable the country to "contain and frustrate the enemies' strategic misjudgment."

Kim apparently had the United States and South Korea in mind when he stressed the need to bolster deterrence.

North Korea had said after it test-fired the Hwasong-11 in July that it would test the missile again that month to verify the warhead's explosive force.

KCNA reported that the testing of an improved strategic cruise missile was also successful, as North Korea aims to boost the performance of missiles that are more difficult to detect and intercept.