Kim Jong Un oversaw a new ballistic missile and upgraded strategic cruise missile tests on Wednesday, framing Pyongyang’s continuing missile build-up as a direct response to “the grave threat of outside forces.” 

The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday that the DPRK’s Missile Administration test-fired the “new-type tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11-Ta-4.5” (Hwasong-11C-4.5) to verify its “explosive power” and accuracy at a medium range of approximately 200 miles (320 km).

The missile was reportedly tipped with a 4.5-ton conventional warhead, and state media images showed it striking a ground-based target with a large explosion.