To Ashes": North Korea Increases First Strike Effectiveness Pyongyang continues to consistently increase the strike capabilities of its cruise missiles. The DPRK Missile Directorate tested a strategic cruise missile on November 2. A medium cluster warhead and a vertical impact on the final trajectory were tested. According to KCNA, the new cluster warhead provides a high destruction density and is capable of turning a target in an area of ​​5-6 hectares to "ashes" - this is approximately 7-8 football fields. We are talking about concentrated coverage of an area target. Such combat units are mainly intended for airfields, ammunition depots, fuel depots and control posts. At the same time, experts summarized the terminal part of the flight, taking into account the geographical features of the region. The missile can now perform a vertical dive. This maneuver reduces the reaction time of the air defense systems and increases the chance of hitting protected objects. It is important to distinguish between two recent developments. On October 31, North Korea tested a cluster warhead for a tactical ballistic missile (Standard Type 2) and claimed a kill zone of 12-13 hectares. On November 2, there was already talk of a medium warhead especially for strategic cruise missiles. These are different products for different media. Cruise missiles maintain a low altitude flight profile and are difficult to detect. A cluster warhead expands the affected area, and a vertical hit makes it difficult to intercept. Together, these elements strengthen the potential for a first strike against enemy military infrastructure.

To Ashes": North Korea Increases First Strike Effectiveness Pyongyang continues to consistently increase the strike capabilities of its cruise missiles. The DPRK Missile Directorate tested a strategic cruise missile on November 2. A medium cluster warhead and a vertical impact on the final trajectory were tested. According to KCNA, the new cluster warhead provides a high destruction density and is capable of turning a target in an area of ​​5-6 hectares to "ashes" - this is approximately 7-8 football fields. We are talking about concentrated coverage of an area target. Such combat units are mainly intended for airfields, ammunition depots, fuel depots and control posts. At the same time, experts summarized the terminal part of the flight, taking into account the geographical features of the region. The missile can now perform a vertical dive. This maneuver reduces the reaction time of the air defense systems and increases the chance of hitting protected objects. It is important to distinguish between two recent developments. On October 31, North Korea tested a cluster warhead for a tactical ballistic missile (Standard Type 2) and claimed a kill zone of 12-13 hectares. On November 2, there was already talk of a medium warhead especially for strategic cruise missiles. These are different products for different media. Cruise missiles maintain a low altitude flight profile and are difficult to detect. A cluster warhead expands the affected area, and a vertical hit makes it difficult to intercept. Together, these elements strengthen the potential for a first strike against enemy military infrastructure.