North Korea says it tested cruise missiles with “super large” warheads

North Korea said it tested cruise missiles equipped with new “super-large” warheads, plus a new type of anti-aircraft missilewhile expanding a series of weapons tests that worry its neighbor and rival, South Korea.

The North Korean state press published the information on Saturday, a day after the south korean army noted that it had detected the launch of several cruise missiles in western waters of the North. This is the fourth time that Pyongyang tests this type of weapons in 2024.

The north korean images of the launches showed a cruise missile that flew low and hit a target raised on a bank, and another projectile rising to the sky after being shot from the ground.

With the announcement of the development of larger warheads for its cruise missiles, North Korea could be trying to emphasize that those missiles are intended to carry nuclear weapons.

The Korean Central News Agency did not specify how many projectiles were launched or give details about their operation. The state news agency indicated that the tests are part of the “normal activities” for the military development of the country and did not affect the security of their neighbors.

The cruise missiles are included in the growing catalog of north korean weapons designed to overcome regional missile defenses. They complement the wide range of ballistic missiles of the country, which has long-range weapons that could reach the US mainland.

Analysts maintain that the technology of anti-aircraft missiles is an area where the North could benefit from its growing military collaboration with Russiawhile both nations maintain increasingly intense confrontations with USA.

In January, Pyongyang conducted two tests of a new cruise missile designed to be launched from submarines. The North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, described them as a significant step toward his goal of achieving a nuclear-capable Navy. The North also tested a long-range cruise missile, which was said to be nuclear-capable and can travel up to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles), meaning it could hit US bases in Japan.

These tests were carried out after the launch of a new solid fuel missile and intermediate range on January 14, which underscored North Korean efforts to develop weapons with which it could attack US targets in the Pacific, such as Guam.

Friday’s rehearsals came hours after North Korean media reported that Kim reiterated his interest in reinforcing his naval forces while inspecting warship construction at a shipyard at Nampho on the west coast.