US Joint Chiefs Chairman: "North Korea Developing Small Number of Nuclear Weapons"

Beyond Missile Defense, Emphasizing Strategic Deterrence
Strategic Commander Mentions North Korea and Iran Threats, "Prepared for Any Situation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] John Hyten, Vice Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated on the 17th (local time) that North Korea has developed a small number of nuclear weapons.

In a virtual symposium speech hosted by the U.S. National Defense University’s Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Vice Chairman Hyten mentioned that Russia has produced hundreds to thousands of nuclear weapons, and China also possesses strong nuclear capabilities challenging the U.S. and its allies, before making this remark.

Regarding North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, Vice Chairman Hyten used the term "a small number" but did not specify an exact figure. He explained, "The specific details are classified and difficult to understand in many respects."

While U.S. intelligence agencies and experts differ in their assessments of North Korea’s exact nuclear arsenal size, the Department of Defense’s "North Korea Tactical Report" estimates that North Korea possesses 20 to 60 nuclear weapons and can produce six new ones annually.

Charles Richard, Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, identified China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran as countries threatening the U.S. and its allies, stating that they are prepared to respond to any contingency.

Commander Richard, responsible for nuclear strategy and operations, testified at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, emphasizing, "As Strategic Commander, my forces are prepared to respond to any contingency," and stressed readiness to take decisive action should strategic deterrence fail.

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