North Korea’s KCNA news agency said Saturday that the country conducted a “very large” cruise missile warhead test as well as the launch of its new anti-aircraft missile in the Western Sea of Korea.
Pyongyang tested the “Hwasal-1 Ra-3” strategic cruise missile and the new “Pyoljji-1-2” air missile on Friday, the North Korean government announced.
KCNA said the tests were not related to the “surrounding situation.”
“The two tests were part of the regular activities of the administration and its affiliated defense scientific institutes for the rapid development of technologies in various aspects such as tactical and technical performance and operation of new type weapon systems,” KCNA reported.
The agency released photos showing at least two missiles fired from launch trucks. North Korea announced it had conducted similar tests in February, but did not specify the names of the missiles.
The strategic cruise missile would be designed to carry a nuclear warhead.
The test was not reported by South Korea, Japan or the United States, which often detect tests of this scale.
North Korea’s international relations
Pyongyang has recently stepped up its weapons tests as tensions between Seoul and Washington increased. In response, the United States and South Korea have also stepped up military exercises in the region.
North Korea has several ballistic missiles, including intercontinental missiles aimed at the continental United States. North Korea also has a growing collection of cruise missiles.
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin are close allies and have increasingly close ties. Pyongyang could benefit from military cooperation with Moscow, particularly regarding its anti-aircraft missile technology, analysts say.
tg/wd (AP, Reuters)
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