Kim Jong Un Inspects New Tactical Warheads
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has revealed new nuclear warheads during his visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute, according to reports by the North’s state media. The warheads, known as Hwasan-31, are smaller and lighter than the previous models and can be mounted on various vehicles. The development of these warheads indicates that North Korea is making progress towards its goal of miniaturizing nuclear weapons capable of striking the United States.
During his visit to the institute, Kim inspected the tactical warheads and urged his scientists to expand production of nuclear fuel to increase the country’s nuclear arsenal exponentially. He also issued new tasks for the institution and the country’s nuclear sector, emphasizing the need for a counterattack with nuclear weapons and never being satisfied with existing capabilities.
North Korea Steps Up Its Nuclear Weapons Program
As part of its increasing display of power, North Korea declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power last year and has recently called for an exponential increase in weapons production. Reports suggest that the country is progressing towards creating smaller warheads that can be fitted on intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and other systems like submarines.
The new warheads seem to be standardized, lightweight, and easy to mount on various vehicles. Kim Jong Un has called for an expansion in the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials for thoroughly implementing plans on increasing nuclear arsenals. Additionally, he was briefed on an IT-based integrated nuclear weapon management system called Haekbangashoe which means “nuclear trigger.”
Nuclear Underwater Attack Drone
North Korea is testing a “nuclear underwater attack drone” with capabilities to target naval strike groups and enemy ports. The test conducted in 2020 was carried out in response to recent US-South Korea military exercises. North Korea has described the US’s joint military exercises with South Korea as rehearsals for a potential invasion while the allies have described these drills as defensive.
Recent ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missile exercises used mock nuclear warheads detonating in the air 500 metres above an intended target island. Kim said the policy of expanding North Korea’s arsenal was solely aimed at defending the country as well as regional peace and stability.
South Korea Responds
South Korea’s President, Moon Jae-in, has warned North Korea that it would not receive any financial assistance until it abandoned its nuclear weapons program. The South Korean president stated that North Korea does not deserve “a single penny” of economic aid while pushing for nuclear development. The tough stance comes after years of alternating between periods of sanctions and negotiations.
A U.S. carrier strike group, led by the USS Nimitz, stopped at Busan naval base after conducting joint maritime drills with South Korean counterparts. Pyongyang has accused its neighbors’ joint exercises of stoking tensions in the region and using them to rehearse a potential invasion.
Conclusion
North Korea declared itself a nuclear weapon state in 2005 and has since steadily moved forward with its nuclear program despite international condemnation and sanctions. Development of a nuclear arsenal by North Korea continues to threaten the world’s peace and stability, making it important for countries in the region to keep a close eye on events in North Korea.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
