North Korea Tests Technology for Launching Multiple Nuclear Warheads, Raising Concerns of Increased Threat
In a significant development, North Korea announced on Thursday that it had tested technology for launching several nuclear warheads with a single missile for the first time. This comes just days after Russian President Vladimir V. Putin visited the North and discussed expanded military and technical cooperation.
The test, which took place on Wednesday, was aimed at securing the MIRV capability, according to the North’s state-run Korean Central News Agency. MIRV, which stands for multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle, allows a missile to carry several warheads, each capable of hitting a different target. However, the report clarified that the test only involved part of a MIRV system, not a full-fledged multiple-warhead missile.
Since the meeting between North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, and President Putin, concerns have been raised about the possibility of North Korea upgrading its nuclear arsenal. The MIRV capability would significantly increase the threat posed by North Korea to the United States and its allies, as it would make it harder for missile defense systems to intercept high-speed ballistic missiles with multiple warheads.
South Korean military spokesman Col. Lee Sung-jun expressed skepticism about the North’s announcement, citing deception and exaggeration. South Korean officials had previously dismissed the test as a failure, stating that a missile had exploded over waters east of North Korea after flying 150 miles. They believed the test involved a hypersonic ballistic missile.
Under multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, North Korea is prohibited from developing or testing nuclear or ballistic missile technologies. However, since the breakdown of direct diplomacy between Kim Jong-un and former President Donald J. Trump in 2019, North Korea has intensified its efforts to expand its capabilities.
The recent partnership treaty signed between North Korea and Russia during President Putin’s visit to Pyongyang has raised concerns among Washington and its allies. The treaty includes a commitment to provide military assistance promptly in case of an attack and to strengthen defense capabilities through joint measures.
While North Korea has conducted successful nuclear tests in the past, experts believe it has yet to demonstrate the ability to design a warhead that could pose a threat to distant adversaries like the United States. The country heavily relies on missiles as delivery vehicles due to the lack of advanced warplanes or submarines.
The United States, South Korea, and Japan have been enhancing their joint defense posture in response to the growing threats from North Korea and China. Recent military exercises and deployments in the region reflect the escalating tensions and the need for preparedness against potential threats.
