North Korea maintains a substantial and evolving military capability, despite economic constraints and international sanctions. Here's a breakdown of its missile arsenal and overall military power:
1. Missile Arsenal
North Korea has developed a wide range of ballistic missiles, including:
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs)
KN-23: Resembles Russia’s Iskander missile; highly maneuverable, difficult to intercept.
KN-24: Similar to U.S. ATACMS; solid-fueled, short-range but powerful.
Hwasong-5 & Hwasong-6: Based on Soviet Scud technology.
Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs)
Hwasong-10 (Musudan): Estimated range ~2,500–4,000 km.
Pukguksong-2: Solid-fueled, road-mobile MRBM.
Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs)
Hwasong-12: Range of ~4,500 km; capable of reaching U.S. bases in Guam.
Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)
Hwasong-14, Hwasong-15: Capable of reaching most of the continental U.S.
Hwasong-17 (tested 2022): Possibly capable of carrying multiple warheads (MIRVs).
Hwasong-18: Newer solid-fuel ICBM, more mobile and quicker to launch.
Cruise Missiles & Hypersonic Missiles
Long-range cruise missiles tested since 2021, reportedly nuclear-capable.
Hypersonic glide vehicles tested under development (still experimental).
Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)
Pukguksong-1, -3, -5, -6: Various versions tested; development of a SLBM-capable submarine ongoing.
2. Nuclear Capability
Estimated 50–70 nuclear warheads, with the ability to produce more annually.
Tests suggest capability to miniaturize warheads for missile delivery.
Six known nuclear tests (last one in 2017, potentially a thermonuclear bomb).
3. Conventional Military Power
Personnel
Active troops: ~1.2 million (among the largest standing armies).
Reserve forces: 6 million+ paramilitary/reserve forces.
Equipment
Tanks: ~4,000 (mostly outdated Soviet-era, with some indigenous upgrades).
Artillery: ~13,000 pieces, including long-range systems near the DMZ.
Aircraft: ~500–700, mostly older models (MiGs, Chinese J-series).
Navy: ~430 vessels, including small submarines, patrol boats, and a few larger ships.
Cyber Warfare
Highly capable and active cyber operations unit (e.g., Lazarus Group).
Involved in espionage, cryptocurrency theft, and sabotage.
Overall Threat Assessment
North Korea's military is heavily focused on deterrence and asymmetrical warfare:
Large and heavily fortified conventional forces.
Strategic reliance on nuclear and missile threats.
Advanced cyber capabilities.
Recent emphasis on solid-fuel missiles, mobility, and rapid strike ability.
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