North Korea announced a test of a cluster warhead for ballistic missiles. The test was necessary to assess its lethality and suitability for combat use. KCNA stated that the warhead was tested on October 31 in order to "achieve an increase in the power of weapon systems". North Korea's Defense Science Research Institute said that the tests confirmed the ability of a cluster warhead to hit targets over an area of about 12-13 dunams "with an extremely high density".