North Korea says its latest cluster bomb can devastate 13 hectares

On November 1, North Korea conducted a test firing of cluster-bomb warheads, according to the state media. This latest weapon drill is part of a series of exercises meant to train military units on the use of such munitions. The test came after North Korea had recently tested various weapons, including attack drones, a new precision-guided torpedo system, and an intermediate-range hypersonic missile.

Tensions have been rising due to a landmine explosion near the heavily fortified border with South Korea, which wounded three South Korean soldiers. North Korea has denied responsibility and pledged to strengthen border defenses and resume its loudspeaker campaign. The test was conducted to "evaluate the combat effectiveness and performance of a cluster-bomb warhead designed to be affixed to tactical ballistic missiles," the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

The cluster bomb is said to have the capability to turn a 12-13 hectare area into ashes with its highest-density power. General Director of the North's Missile Administration stated that within the year, units will be able to select and employ all weapon types according to operational objectives and target characteristics. No photos of Kim Jong Un were released, though he had overseen a cluster-bomb warhead test-launch on a ballistic missile in April alongside his daughter Ju Ae.