North Korea already has sufficient nuclear and missile capabilities to potentially breach the U.S. missile defense system and carry out a limited strike, Bloomberg reports.
Source: Censor.NET
According to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, North Korea is capable of producing up to 20 nuclear warheads per year. At this pace, over the next decade its arsenal could match France’s, and if production increases, even exceed it.
The focus is primarily on the Hwasong series intercontinental ballistic missiles — including models 15, 17, 18, and 19. According to experts, they are already potentially capable of overcoming the current U.S. missile defense system, which is largely based on mid-range interception systems.
In addition, North Korea possesses a significant arsenal of short-range missiles capable of striking U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region, including the strategic base on Guam.
Analysts note that North Korea is gradually shifting from demonstrating capabilities to being actually ready to use them. According to Carnegie Endowment expert Ankit Panda, Pyongyang is showing growing confidence in its nuclear capabilities and less restraint in their development.
At the same time, intelligence assessments and independent analysts differ: while earlier estimates suggested around 10 intercontinental delivery systems capable of reaching U.S. territory, it is now believed there may be up to 50 launchers.
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