SEOUL, — North Korea tested a cluster-bomb warhead designed for tactical ballistic missiles on October 31, with plans to deploy four types of the weapon to military units by the end of 2026, state media reported on Sunday.
The test was conducted by the Missile Administration to evaluate the warhead's combat readiness, adaptability and destructive capability. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the test involved the “Standard Type 2” cluster warhead.
The Ballistic Missile System Institute and Warhead Institute confirmed that the warhead can destroy a target area of 12 to 13 hectares (30 to 32 acres) at its highest density. The missile was fired toward an uninhabited island in the West Sea, also known as the Yellow Sea.
The launch was overseen by General Kim Jong Sik, a member of the Workers' Party Central Military Commission and first vice director of a Central Committee department. Leader Kim Jong Un was not reported to have attended.
KCNA did not identify the missile used or disclose its range and altitude. Analysts noted that the test appeared to be North Korea's first launch of a cluster-armed missile from a wheeled mobile launcher. Images released by state media showed the missile launching from a mobile platform and submunitions striking the island target.
Four Types Planned for Military Deployment
The Missile Administration's general director said North Korea classifies cluster-bomb warheads into four categories based on standard and special operational purposes. The administration plans to make all four types available to military units by the end of this year, allowing commanders to select warheads according to operational objectives and target characteristics.
A cluster munition opens in flight and releases dozens or hundreds of smaller bomblets over a wide area. It is designed to attack dispersed targets such as troops, vehicles, artillery positions and airfields rather than a single hardened structure. Neither North Korea nor South Korea is a party to the international convention banning cluster munitions.
South Korea Monitors the Test
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff did not immediately announce the October 31 launch, departing from its usual practice of reporting North Korean ballistic missile activity in near real time.
On November 1, the military said it had tracked the activity through close information sharing with the United States and maintained a readiness posture. Officials said the missile's short range and low altitude required additional analysis before confirming it as a ballistic missile.
Previous Cluster Warhead Tests
The latest test followed North Korea's launch of approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area on October 29.
The Missile Administration described the October 31 test as part of regular scientific research aimed at improving the power of its weapon systems.
North Korea previously tested cluster warheads on tactical ballistic missiles. In April, the country tested a Hwasong-11A short-range ballistic missile fitted with a cluster warhead. State media claimed that the warhead could destroy an area of about 13 hectares. Later that month, Kim Jong Un observed launches of Hwasong-11 Ra missiles equipped with cluster-bomb and fragmentation mine warheads.
The latest test is part of North Korea's continued development of tactical missile warheads, with the military deployment of all four cluster-warhead categories planned by the end of 2026.
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