[EarthResearcher333]

You might want to re-read the article:

"The missile was fired without an explosive device for safety reasons."

[DIRTYSECRET]

Get the Sorks to take him out?

[Charles Martel]

Yes, these tests are performed with dummy warheads. In the video, the missile zips right through that target and burrows clear out of sight in a flash. It’s like those US Naval cruise missile tests, fired at cargo container targets on a towed barge. At normal video speed, a big hole just appears in the steel Conex box. Slow down the target camera playback and you can see the missile strike.

[EarthResearcher333]

The image does reveal a material cloud of debris in the upper surface of the target. So it is likely this photo was taken from a "light penetration" resistive shell at the target. The device most likely penetrated further to the bottom section of the target (and thus could have impaired the engine operation from the impact G-forces).

Strategically, this test and photograph poses a potentially new tactical problem for North Korea as they have been installing cruise missile barriers in anticipation of the typical cruise missile attacks to open targets - as observed by some typical U.S. Tomahawk Strikes. This vertical attitude (strike/photo) reveals that North Korea must anticipate all angles of attack (horizontal to vertical). IF they hadn't considered this, someone may be scrambling.

[Paul R.]

It doesn’t need an explosive charge to end up in pieces. Kinetic energy alone would do the job, plus any remaining fuel. (The engine IS still on at the instant of impact.)

A bunker busting bomb* would stay largely intact at impact, but I believe the back end of a conventional cruise missile travelling at 700+ mph would “crumple” or break up as impact occurred, if that impact is sudden enough to stop the missile abruptly. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

*(Bunker busters are essentially long, relatively small diameter tubes made of dense, rigid material, with depleted uranium being best.)

Anyway, the video at the article link lays any doubt in this case to rest. :-)