Indo-Pacific — 2026-04-10

North Korea Conducts Three-Day Weapons Tests Including Cluster-Bomb Warhead Missiles

North Korea conducted a three-day testing spree including ballistic missiles armed with cluster-bomb warheads mounted on nuclear-capable Hwasong-11 systems, anti-aircraft weapons, electromagnetic weapons, and carbon-fiber bombs. Missiles flew 240-700 km before falling into the sea. The tests came as Chinese FM Wang Yi arrived in Pyongyang for a two-day visit, and as Kim Jong Un continues to expand nuclear-capable forces aimed at South Korea and the US mainland.

Analysis
Cluster munitions on Iskander-class Hwasong-11 missiles directly threaten airfield and logistics operations in South Korea and Japan. Chinese FM Wang Yi arriving in Pyongyang during the tests suggests Beijing had advance notice; the demonstrations may be designed to strengthen Kim's bargaining position in bilateral talks with China.

1 sources

North Korea says its latest weapons tests included missiles with cluster-bomb warheads - NPR