North Korea conducts cluster munition warhead test - NHKニュース

North Korea reportedly conducted a test on Saturday to assess the power of a cluster munition warhead that will be mounted on tactical ballistic missiles.

A cluster munition is designed to disperse small bomblets in midair, allowing it to strike over a wide area.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday that the country's Missile Administration carried out the test. The report also said research institutes under the administration confirmed that the warhead "is capable of turning into ashes a target area of 12 to 13 hectares with its highest-density power."

A composite photo released by the KCNA includes images of a missile being launched from what appears to be a coastal site and another showing several apparent explosions on what seems to be the targeted island.

A report by South Korea's Yonhap News Agency said the island hosts structures that resemble the South Korean military's facilities, including a hangar and an ammunition depot.

The KCNA report quoted the head of the Missile Administration as saying they have four types of cluster bomb warheads. The official reportedly said, "Within this year we will enable units to select and use all those types according to operational aims and specific features of targets."

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff announced the North Korean missile launch. It said on Sunday the missile was fired the previous day from an area around the northwestern county of Chongju toward the Yellow Sea.