North Korea has tested a cluster bomb designed to be mounted on tactical ballistic missiles, its state media reported on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
The test took place on Saturday, 31 October. It was carried out by the North’s Missile Administration to assess the combat adaptability and power of a cluster-bomb warhead for tactical ballistic missiles, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
KCNA said research institutes confirmed that the “Standard Type 2” cluster-bomb warhead is “capable of turning into ashes a target area of 12 to 13 hectares with its highest-density power”.
The Missile Administration’s general director said the cluster-bomb warheads are classified into four categories depending on their purposes. He said that within this year, units will be able to select and use all those types according to operational aims and target features.
A cluster bomb releases dozens to hundreds of submunitions, striking multiple targets over a wide area.
South Korea’s military said it had monitored the launch, which was fired toward the Yellow Sea from around the northwestern county of Chongju. It said that, under close information-sharing with the United States, it tracked relevant activities before the launch and maintained a readiness posture. It announced the detection a day after the test, whereas it usually announces North Korean ballistic missile launches shortly after they occur.
The test was overseen by Gen. Kim Jong-sik.
In April 2026, North Korea said it tested cluster bombs mounted on the Hwasong-11 Ra tactical ballistic missile, overseen by leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter Ju-ae.
The latest test came amid renewed calls by the top diplomats of South Korea, the United States and Japan for the complete denuclearization of North Korea during trilateral talks in Atlanta. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said on Saturday that President Donald Trump remains open to talks with Kim Jong-un if Pyongyang is willing to discuss issues of concern to Washington and its allies, though no meeting has been scheduled.
Source: Yonhap News Agency
Note: Any featured image is an illustrative stock photo only, NOT a photo of the actual test.
