Overview
- KCNA, which detailed the trials Thursday, said researchers ran tests from Monday to Wednesday that included a Hwasong‑11Ka short‑range ballistic missile with a cluster warhead, an electromagnetic weapon, carbon‑fiber bombs, and a mobile short‑range air‑defense system.
- South Korea tracked two rounds of launches Wednesday from the Wonsan area, with morning shots flying about 240 kilometers and an afternoon missile traveling more than 700 kilometers into the East Sea.
- Japan reported the longer‑range missile reached roughly 60 kilometers in altitude, likely flew on an irregular path, and fell outside its exclusive economic zone.
- A separate launch near Pyongyang on Tuesday appeared to fail when the projectile vanished shortly after takeoff, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- KCNA said the cluster warhead can blanket 6.5 to 7 hectares, and experts note electromagnetic pulses and carbon‑fiber strands can disable radios, radars, and power lines that keep cities and bases running; U.S. Indo‑Pacific Command said there was no immediate threat as allies consult and China’s Wang Yi begins a two‑day visit to Pyongyang Thursday.