North Korean state media reports that Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has approved the successful testing of two varieties of tactical ballistic missiles, one featuring a "super-large conventional warhead" and the other a "improved" cruise missile. According to state-run KCNA, Kim stated on Thursday that the tests were in response to the "grave threat" that foreign forces posed to North Korea's security. According to KCNA, Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 missiles carrying a 4.5-ton super-large conventional warhead were used in the tests. In July, North Korea first declared that it would be testing that weapon.

"The need to have the strongest military technical capability and overwhelming offensive capability in the field of conventional weapons too, in addition to continuing to bolster up the nuclear force," Kim emphasised. Many experts concur with the South Korean military that North Korea is in fact testing new weapons that could be sold to Russia. Although North Korea denied having any interactions with Russia, it has undoubtedly strengthened its military ties with the country.

In actuality, Kim and President Vladimir Putin met in the far east of Russia the previous year. When Putin visited Pyongyang in June, they signed a mutual defence agreement. Sergei Shoigu, the head of Russian security, also visited Pyongyang. North Korean state media photos showed Kim Jong Un observing recent missile tests hitting a ground target. South Korea's military said on Thursday that the ballistic and cruise missiles North Korea launched the previous day fell in its mountainous northeastern area. Typically, North Korea conducts its missile tests over the sea off its east coast.

Image source: Al Jazeera