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North successfully test launches short-range ballistic missiles with cluster bomb warheads

Published: 20 Apr. 2026, 10:26 Updated: 20 Apr. 2026, 12:19

LEE SOO-JUNG
[email protected]

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, oversees the test launch of missiles on April 19 in this photo carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency a day later. Kim's daughter Ju-ae is also seen in the photo behind him. [YONHAP]

North Korea successfully test-launched a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile with cluster bomb warheads, its state media reported on Monday.

The projectiles — the Hwasong-11 Ra — were test-fired on Sunday “to verify the characteristics and power of cluster bomb warhead and fragmentation mine warhead applied to the tactical ballistic missile,” according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The KCNA's report came a day after South Korea's military detected multiple launches of short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea at around 6:10 a.m. on Sunday. The projectiles were believed to have been launched from the Sinpo area in South Hamgyong Province.

The Hwasong-11 Ra is North Korea’s version of Russia's Iskander, which are claimed to have cluster bomb warheads and fragmentation mine warheads attached during Sunday's test launches.

North Korea conducted test launches of the Hwasong-11 Ka with cluster bomb warheads earlier this month.

Sunday's test launch was supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, according to the KCNA. Kim's daughter Ju-ae also appeared to be present.

The state media claims that a total of five ballistic missiles flew about 136 kilometers (84.5 miles) and struck the area spanning 31 to 32 acres with their intense “density” power.

A projectile is launched from North Korea in a photo carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on April 20. [YONHAP]

Kim expressed “great satisfaction” over the test launch, which he described as the productive results of a five-year effort in missile development, the KCNA reported.

“The development and introduction of different cluster bomb warheads can meet the operational demand of the KPA in a more satisfactory and effective way,” Kim is quoted as saying, referring to the North's Korean People's Army.

Kim additionally noted that the advancement in its armaments carries “weighty significance in military actions to boost the high-density and high-precision striking capabilities.”

BY LEE SOO-JUNG, YONHAP [[email protected]]