North Korea tests upgraded tactical ballistic missiles

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of the Hwasong-11R (Hwasong-11Ra/D) operational-tactical missile system equipped with new cluster-type warheads on April 19, 2026. The test involved five missiles launched toward an island target at a range of 136 km, delivering a concentrated strike on an area of 12.5–13 hectares. Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction with the results of the launch, which demonstrates an upgraded capability for the country's tactical missile forces. The test underscores North Korea's continued focus on advancing its short-range ballistic missile arsenal.