North Korea conducted tests of new tactical ballistic missiles and modified cruise missiles on Wednesday, citing the need to improve weapons capabilities due to threats from outside forces. Leader Kim Jong Un called for stronger conventional weapons and nuclear capabilities during the tests. The new missile tested was a tactical ballistic Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 missile, which had a 4.5-ton super-large conventional warhead. The South Korean military reported multiple short-range ballistic missile tests on Wednesday, the second time in a week that North Korea had test-launched missiles. North Korea also unveiled a uranium enrichment facility last week. The tests are part of an effort to bolster the country’s nuclear force and military technical capability. The North’s military also tested a strategic cruise missile that has been upgraded for combat use. Experts believe that some of the missiles used by Russia in the war against Ukraine are North Korean-made. North Korea has criticized military drills by South Korea and the U.S. as preparations for war on the Korean peninsula, while the allies maintain that the drills are defensive in nature. The missile with the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 designation is still under development, but Russia may be interested in it if its performance can be guaranteed through further testing.
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