North Korea Tests New Missile: South Korea Questions Success

North Korea announced it successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile called the Hwasongpho-11 Da-4.5, which can carry a 4.5-tonne warhead. The test aimed to check the missile’s flight stability and accuracy over a range of 90km to 500km.

However, South Korea’s military reported that one of the two missiles launched likely failed, exploding midair. The lack of photos and details from North Korea raised doubts about the test’s success.

Details of the Test

The test was conducted to verify the missile’s performance at both maximum and minimum ranges. North Korea’s state media, KCNA, reported the test but did not provide photos or elaborate on the warhead’s nature.

South Korea’s Response

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) suggested that the test might be a deception, as one missile appeared to fail early in its flight. JCS spokesperson Lee Sung-joon mentioned that it is rare for test launches to be conducted inland, and the claim of success is likely false.

Expert Opinions

Shin Jongwoo, a military expert based in Seoul, noted that the absence of photos raises questions about the test’s success.