North Korea tests new electromagnetic and blackout bombs

Pyongyang is seeking to expand its arsenal with non-nuclear “special assets”

North Korea has conducted a series of high-tech weapons tests as it seeks to expand its arsenal with electromagnetic weapons, carbon fiber bombs, and new mobile air defense systems, KCNA state news agency reports.

The tests were conducted over the course of three days. Kim Jong-sik, a general who oversaw the tests, described the electromagnetic system and carbon fiber bombs as “special assets” in the country’s arsenal, but provided few details about the nature of the new weapons.

The South Korean military said it detected several missile launches from North Korean territory. The projectiles flew 240 to 700 km, according to Reuters.

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The ‘blackout’ carbon fiber bombs are designed to disperse conductive graphite-filled filaments over electric grids and power plants to induce short circuits. The non-nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapon is another type of device similarly intended to neutralize electronic circuits in military assets such as radar systems and aircraft. According to KCNA, the tests also involved a new cluster warhead for the Hwasong-11, a nuclear-capable ballistic missile.

The tests came amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. First Deputy Foreign Minister Jang Kum-chol described South Korea as the “most hostile enemy state” in a statement on Tuesday.

Earlier this week, Seoul apologized to Pyongyang over drone incursions, denying any official involvement and claiming that the launches were a private initiative. Three people – including an employee of the National Intelligence Service, a South Korean military officer, and a graduate student – are facing charges.

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Relations have been virtually frozen since 2019, following the collapse of nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington. The negotiations were initiated by US President Donald Trump during his first term in office.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stated last month that a nuclear arsenal capable of posing a credible threat to the US is the only leverage against American “terrorism and aggression.” He also said North Korea would not give up its nuclear weapons and would oppose any efforts to challenge its status.