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North Korea Unveils “Blackout Bombs” Designed to Shut Down Entire Power Grids
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
North Korea has claimed it successfully tested electromagnetic weapons and so-called “blackout bombs,” with Kim Jong Un describing the systems as “special means of strategic character,” according to state media cited by Bloomberg on April 9.
The tests reportedly took place over three days, from Monday through Wednesday, marking what Bloomberg described as Pyongyang’s first open acknowledgment of using directed energy concepts to disable enemy technology.
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Carbon fiber bombs, often referred to as “blackout bombs,” are designed to short-circuit electrical grids, potentially plunging entire regions into darkness.
Electromagnetic weapons operate differently, targeting microchips and communication systems by disabling or destroying electronic components.
🚨🇰🇵🇰🇷 Missile Tensions Rise Again
— WAR (@warsurv) April 8, 2026
North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles once more, escalating pressure and dimming hopes for stability on the Korean Peninsula. pic.twitter.com/LZt8OqrFKE
Kim has instructed the military to integrate these capabilities with other weapons systems, signaling an increased focus on gaining an advantage in electronic and digital warfare.
In addition to these developments, North Korea also tested the combat effectiveness of its ballistic missile arsenal, including tactical cluster warheads.
Graphite Bomb BLU-114 with Carbon Filament Canisters designed to short out power lines and transformers which will not permanently damage the grid. pic.twitter.com/DKh6jDSa7P
— Sam Riddle (@RedListCommando) April 3, 2026
According to North Korean state media claims, the affected area of such a warhead ranges between 6.5 and 7 hectares.
Bloomberg noted that South Korean military officials did detect multiple ballistic missile launches into waters off North Korea’s east coast, although at least one of the launches may have failed.
Earlier, Japan officially deployed its first domestically developed stand-off missiles, marking a major shift in its military posture as tensions with China, North Korea, and regional threats continue to grow.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) confirmed that it has begun operational fielding of two new systems: the Type-25 surface-to-ship missile and the Type-25 high-speed gliding projectile. Both weapons represent the country’s first indigenous stand-off strike capability to be deployed to active units.
