North Korea Successfully Tests Strategic And Anti-aircraft Cruise Missiles

Photo Archives - Test launch of North Korea's Hwasongphoto-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). (DOC. ANTARA)

SEOUL - Tensions on the Korean Peninsula continued to rise after North Korea on Friday, April 19, conducted a "big super warhead" force test for strategic cruise missiles and anti-aircraft missile tests.

"The two trials are part of routine government activities and defense science institutions affiliated with them for the rapid development of technology... have nothing to do with the surrounding situation," said North Korean news agency KCNA, quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, April 20.

The North Korean Missile Agency conducted a test of a warhead designed for the strategic cruise missile "Hwasal-1 Ra-3" and launched a new anti-aircraft missile test of "Pyoljji-1-2," in the Yellow Sea on Friday, KCNA said in its report. The report states that certain purposes' have been achieved through the launch of the test.

This is the first time Pyongyang has named a missile the name "Pyoljji", which means "meteor" in Korean.

On February 3, North Korea said it had "tested the strength of the super-large cruise missile warhead" and as well as the new type of anti-aircraft missile in the Yellow Sea the previous day. However, the North Korean Missile Agency has not detailed the name of the weapon or the results of its test launch.

The South Korean military said it detected several cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles fired towards the Yellow Sea at around 15.30 local time on Friday and is now analyzing the details of the specifications.

"Our military has closely monitored signs of provocation and North Korean military activity while maintaining a strong joint defense posture," said South Korea's Joint Military Chiefs of Staff.

The latest report on the missile test comes as North Korea tries to increase its weapons tests, including cruise missile launches from sea and land, as well as firing drills involving super large double rocket launchers.