[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Did North Korea Announce the 'D-Day' for Nuclear Test?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, has announced a nuclear test based on a nuclear weapon attack. Following the unveiling of new weapons capable of mounting nuclear warheads, he emphasized nuclear armament, leading to assessments that the 7th nuclear test will be carried out in early next month.

On the 25th, North Korea unveiled a large number of new weapons at the parade commemorating the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army. The newly revealed submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) is longer and has a larger warhead compared to the previously disclosed 'Pukguksong-5ㅅ' SLBM. The military is believed to be expanding the range and warhead weight to equip it on a 3,000-ton class submarine in the final stages of construction. They also revealed the Hwasong-17, a 'monster intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)' aimed at the United States.

They also announced the operational deployment of missiles developed so far. North Korea reported that it conducted an inspection firing of the medium-range ballistic missile (IRBM) 'Hwasong-12' in January this year, indicating its operational status. At this parade, the 'mini SLBM' which succeeded in a test launch last October, the hypersonic missile 'Hwasong-8', and a painted upgraded version of the North Korean Iskander (KN-23) were displayed. This implies they have been deployed in actual combat. Since these were declared to be developed for tactical nuclear use, it is interpreted as emphasizing a message of nuclear strike capability against South Korea.

At the parade, Chairman Kim stated that through nuclear development, the purpose and scope of nuclear weapons to be developed will be expanded. To this end, North Korea is expected to significantly raise tension levels ahead of the inauguration of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and the South Korea-US summit next month.

In his speech, Chairman Kim said, "We will continue to take measures to rapidly strengthen and develop the nuclear forces possessed by our country to the maximum," effectively foreshadowing the 7th nuclear test. Some analysts also believe there is a high possibility that North Korea will provoke by unveiling lightweight nuclear warheads or new ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

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