North Korea Conducts Weapons Tests Including Cluster and Graphite Bombs

SEOUL — North Korea's military conducted weapons tests from Monday through Wednesday, according to the official North Korean news agency. The tests included a short-range ballistic missile used to deliver a cluster-bomb warhead. State media reported that the warhead destroyed a wide area.

A cluster warhead disperses dozens of small bombs across a wide area. Officials also reported tests of carbon-fiber graphite bombs, designed to disable electrical grids by causing short-circuits.

Several short-range ballistic missiles launched during the tests flew between 150 miles and 434 miles off North Korea's east coast, according to South Korean officials.

South Korea confirmed multiple weapons tests this week but did not specify the types involved. The presidential national security office in Seoul held a meeting with top defense officials on Wednesday to assess security implications. North Korea has previously benefited from foreign conflicts, including supplying weapons and soldiers to Russia for its war in Ukraine in exchange for economic assistance and technology, according to South Korean officials and analysts.

Last month, officials unveiled new tanks with systems to intercept anti-tank missiles and drones, which experts link to Russian technology. A threat assessment noted that the Ukraine war has spillover effects, including North Korean troops gaining warfighting experience and technology from Russia.

officials suspended most diplomacy with Seoul and Washington after nuclear talks collapsed in 2019.

Since then, North Korea has pursued closer ties with Russia and China while expanding its military capabilities. A leader attended a military parade in Beijing alongside other leaders.