PYONGYANG – This week, North Korea announced the testing of a "super-large warhead" for a strategic cruise missile and the launch of a new anti-aircraft missile, actions that have intensified the already heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the North's Missile Administration successfully conducted these tests in the Yellow Sea on Friday. The tests involved a warhead for the "Hwasal-1 Ra-3" strategic cruise missile and the launch of the "Pyoljji-1-2" anti-aircraft missile, a newly named weapon which translates to "meteor" in Korean. KCNA, North Korea's state news agency, claimed the tests achieved a "certain goal," stating they were routine activities aimed at advancing defense technologies without linkage to the current regional dynamics.
South Korea's military confirmed the detection of several missile launches towards the Yellow Sea around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, noting that it is currently analyzing the specifications of these missiles. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized ongoing vigilance in monitoring North Korea's military activities and maintaining a strong defense posture in collaboration with allied forces.
The missile tests coincide with a significant diplomatic visit to the region by U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who traveled to South Korea and Japan to discuss responses to North Korea's actions following the U.N. Security Council's inability to extend the mandate for a panel monitoring sanctions enforcement against North Korea's missile programs. During her visit to the Demilitarized Zone on Tuesday, Thomas-Greenfield highlighted efforts to explore innovative strategies with international partners to continue the sanctions monitoring.