Chongju:Pyongyang North Korea has conducted a test of a cluster bomb capable of being mounted on tactical ballistic missiles, as announced by its state media. The country has also expressed its intention to deploy various types of cluster warheads by the end of the year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the test was carried out by the North's Missile Administration on Saturday to evaluate the combat adaptability and power of the cluster-bomb warhead for tactical ballistic missiles, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The KCNA stated that the Standard Type 2 cluster-bomb warhead could devastate a target area of 12 to 13 hectares with its highest-density power.

The general director of the Missile Administration mentioned that the cluster bomb warheads are divided into four categories based on their purposes. The director further noted that by the end of the year, units would be able to select and use all types according to operational aims and specific target features. A cluster bomb disperses numerous submunitions, enabling it to strike multiple targets over a broad area.

South Korea's military monitored the missile launch, confirming that it was fired toward the Yellow Sea from an area near Chongju. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff stated they tracked the activity in coordination with the United States and maintained a readiness posture.

The missile tested is believed to be the Hwasong-11 Ra, as stated by Shin Jong-woo of the Korea Defense and Security Forum. North Korea had previously tested cluster bombs on this missile type in April.

This latest test coincides with renewed calls from the diplomats of South Korea, the United States, and Japan for North Korea's complete denuclearization during their talks in Atlanta. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that President Donald Trump remains open to discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un if Pyongyang addresses issues concerning Washington and its allies, although no meeting has been scheduled.