Attending North Korean Missile Test Upstream 4.5 Tons, Kim Jong-un: Needs To Continue Strengthening Nuclear Power

JAKARTA - North Korea tested a new tactical ballistic missile using a modified super-large warhead and cruise missile on Wednesday led by leader Kim Jong-un, who called for conventional weapons and stronger nuclear capabilities, the state news agency reported.

Leader Kim said trials to increase weapons capabilities were necessary because of the serious threats posed by outside powers to national security, KCNA reported.

KCNA likely reported the launch of several short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday reported by the South Korean military, North Korea's second-ever missile test in a week.

Last week, North Korea also launched uranium enrichment facilities, in its first ever public report.

"It is important to continue to strengthen nuclear power and have the strongest military technical capabilities and extraordinary offensive capabilities in the field of conventional weapons as well," said Leader Kim.

The missile was installed with a supergiant conventional warhead weighing 4.5 tons, KCNA said.

Yesterday's tests also included strategic cruise missiles that had been upgraded for combat use, he continued.

KCNA reported yesterday's test involved a new Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 tactical ballistic missile, indicating the missile was part of a series of short-range ballistic missiles under development, some of which are believed to have been exported to Russia.

Kyiv officials and independent experts say there are signs that some of the missiles Russia uses in the fight against Ukraine are North Korean-made.