North Korea tests tactical ballistic missile cluster warhead

North Korea conducted a test of a cluster warhead for a tactical ballistic missile to assess its combat applicability and destructive power, state media reported Sunday.

The Missile Administration carried out the test Saturday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The test was overseen by Gen. Kim Jong Sik, a member of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea and first deputy director of a department of the party's Central Committee.

North Korea's Ballistic Missile Systems Research Institute and Warhead Research Institute said the test confirmed that the country's "Type-2 standard cluster warhead" could devastate a target area of about 12 to 13 hectares (29 to 32 acres) at what they described as an "ultra-high density."

The head of the Missile Administration said North Korea classifies its cluster warheads into four categories, including special-purpose and standard types.

He said Pyongyang plans to make all four types available to military units by the end of this year, allowing them to select warheads according to operational objectives and the characteristics of targets.

The Missile Administration described the test as part of regular scientific research aimed at increasing the destructive power of its weapons systems.