Kim Jong Un Inspects New Tactical Nuclear Weapons
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has continued to ramp up his country’s nuclear weapons program in recent weeks, inspecting new tactical nuclear weapons and technology for mounting warheads on ballistic missiles. The move comes as tensions between North Korea and the United States continue to rise, and Pyongyang seeks to bolster its military capabilities.
The new tactical nuclear warheads, known as Hwasan-31s, are designed for use with at least eight different delivery platforms, including missiles and submarines. Images of the warheads indicate progress in miniaturizing warheads that can be mounted on intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the US. Kim also oversaw tests of a new underwater weapon called Haeil.
North Korea Plans to Expand Nuclear Arsenal
Despite international sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear program, North Korea has unveiled plans to produce more weapons-grade nuclear material to expand their arsenal. This includes increasing production for an IT-based integrated nuclear weapon management system called Haekbangashoe, which means “nuclear trigger.”
Kim has called for officials to expand the production of nuclear materials for implementing the plan to increase nuclear arsenals exponentially. North Korea plans to churn out warheads to secure second strike capabilities, perhaps in the hundreds.
US-South Korea Conduct Joint Military Exercises
The United States and South Korea have conducted joint military exercises that have been met with criticism from Pyongyang. The drills included a US carrier strike group led by the USS Nimitz docking in South Korea after conducting maritime drills with South Korean forces.
North Korean media released a commentary calling the drills, especially those involving the aircraft carrier, “an open declaration of war” and preparations for a “preemptive attack” against North Korea. This follows North Korea firing short-range ballistic missiles on Monday and conducting a nuclear counterattack simulation against the US and South Korea last week.
South Korean President Pushes Back Against North Korea’s Nuclear Development
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has pushed back against North Korea’s nuclear development, saying the country does not deserve “a single penny” of economic aid. He also called on the international community to hold Pyongyang accountable for its actions.
Despite pressure from the US and South Korea, North Korea has shown no signs of backing down from its nuclear weapons program. Kim has said that the policy of expanding North Korea’s arsenal is solely aimed at defending the country and regional peace, but many critics believe it is a ploy to force economic concessions from other countries.
Experts Warn of Escalating Tensions
As North Korea continues to ramp up its nuclear program and carry out military exercises, experts warn that tensions in the region could escalate. With both sides refusing to back down, the situation is likely to remain volatile in the coming weeks and months.
The Trump administration has said it will continue to pressure North Korea with sanctions until it agrees to give up its nuclear weapons program. But with Kim unwilling to compromise on this issue, it remains to be seen how the situation will play out in the long run.
As regional powers scramble to find a solution to the crisis, many worry that any misstep could lead to a devastating conflict in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
