North Korea conducted a test of cluster bomb warheads mounted on surface-to-surface ballistic missiles on Sunday, state media reported Monday. The launch, overseen by leader Kim Jong-un, involved the firing of Hwasong-11 Ra tactical ballistic missiles from the Sinpo region toward a target in the East Sea.

South Korea’s military detected multiple short-range ballistic missiles launched at approximately 6:10 a.m. from the North’s east coast. According to North Korean media, five missiles impacted a designated target area near an island measuring roughly 13 hectares, approximately 136 kilometers from the launch site. The official report described the strikes as being executed with “very high density,” emphasizing the missiles' enhanced combat effectiveness.

The mission aimed to assess the performance of newly developed cluster bomb and fragmentation mine warheads integrated into the missile system. Kim Jong-un reportedly expressed significant satisfaction with the test results, highlighting the importance of improving both high-density and high-precision strike capabilities to neutralize specific target zones more efficiently.

State media also released images showing Kim Jong-un accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae during the test launch, fueling speculation about her role as a potential successor. Kim encouraged scientific research teams involved in weapons development to continue advancing technologies critical for the Korean People’s Army’s combat readiness.

Among the attendees were key military figures, including Kim Jong-sik, a Central Military Commission member; Jang Chang-ha, chief of the Missile Administration; and commanders from frontline military units.

This test follows a previous round of multiple short-range ballistic missile launches conducted by North Korea on April 8. At that time, the country also publicized the deployment of tactical ballistic missiles equipped with cluster bomb warheads, claiming the weaponry could effectively obliterate targeted areas through its concentrated destructive power.

The latest demonstration underscores North Korea’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tactical missile arsenal and warhead capabilities amid regional tensions and international scrutiny over its weapons programs.