North Korea claims successful test to develop multiple warhead missile
North Korea’s claim that it successfully held a test to develop multiple warhead missiles was rejected by South Korea as “deception” to mask a failed launch.
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea has successfully conducted an important test aimed at developing missiles carrying multiple warheads, state news agency KCNA said Thursday, a claim rejected by South Korea as “deception” to mask a failed launch.
North Korea said the test was carried out on Wednesday using the first-stage, solid-fuel engine of an intermediate-range ballistic missile.
The dispatch came a day after South Korea’s military said North Korea had launched what appeared to be a hypersonic missile off its east coast that exploded in midair.
KCNA said the missile succeeded in separating warheads, which were accurately guided to three preset targets, in a test that was aimed at developing multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) technology.
“The purpose was to secure the capability to destroy individual targets using multiple warheads,” it said.
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