[2022 National Audit] Ministry of National Defense: North Korea Preparing for Nuclear Test, ICBM and SLBM Test Launches

National Assembly Audit Report “North Korea Continues Efforts to Advance Nuclear Capabilities”
Minister Lee Jong-seop “North Korea Completed Preparations for Nuclear Test Around May”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] North Korea is currently maintaining a state capable of conducting nuclear tests and is reportedly preparing test launches of new liquid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

On the 4th, the Ministry of National Defense reported at the National Assembly National Defense Committee’s audit briefing held at the Yongsan Government Complex that "North Korea is maintaining normal operation of key nuclear facilities such as the Yongbyon reactor and a state capable of nuclear testing, continuing efforts to advance its nuclear capabilities."

The audit took place amid heightened tensions following North Korea’s launch of a medium-range ballistic missile (IRBM). In response to a question from Rep. Yoon Hu-deok of the Democratic Party of Korea about when North Korea completed preparations for nuclear testing, Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop stated, "Around May of this year," but added, "However, it is difficult to predict the timing of the nuclear test."

Minister Lee said the 7th nuclear test could be "a small nuclear weapon intended for actual use, or it could be more powerful than the 6th nuclear test."

Additionally, the Ministry of National Defense presented plans to strengthen the Korea-type 3-axis system by expanding overwhelming missile and special warfare strike capabilities as measures to deter North Korea’s nuclear use, which threatens preemptive nuclear strikes. This involves enhancing the Korea-type 3-axis system composed of Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD), Kill Chain, and Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) to respond to North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

The Kill Chain is being reinforced to monitor and conduct reconnaissance across all North Korean territory and to strengthen offensive strike capabilities and postures. A complex multilayer missile defense system is being established for timely response to North Korean missiles.

The Ministry of National Defense explained that overwhelming strike capabilities are being expanded specifically to break North Korea’s will to use nuclear weapons.

These overwhelming strike capabilities include the deployment of high-power, ultra-precision missiles across land, sea, and air, operations to eliminate enemy leadership, and strengthening the capabilities of special warfare units conducting so-called "decapitation operations."

Efforts are underway to secure video intelligence collection assets for continuous monitoring of North Korean nuclear and missile activities, along with automated fusion, analysis, and dissemination systems for various video intelligence. The Ministry of National Defense outlined plans to proceed with mass production after completing development of medium- and high-altitude reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles (MUAVs), develop micro-satellite systems, and deploy basic and advanced multi-source video fusion systems to shorten operational support times.

The Ministry evaluated that efforts to deter North Korean nuclear threats through strengthened ROK-U.S. cooperation have yielded results such as the reactivation and regularization of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG). The joint ROK-U.S. statement from the EDSCG explicitly states "overwhelming and decisive response to any nuclear attack." The phrase "any nuclear attack" was included for the first time, reflecting recent North Korean tactical nuclear developments, according to the Ministry.

As part of measures to strengthen countermeasures against North Korea’s long-range artillery, the Ministry plans to deploy counter-battery radar-II, 230mm multiple rocket launchers, and GPS-guided bombs within this year.

The Ministry has also shifted to a proactive response posture regarding threats from neighboring countries. It explained that proportional responses are being made corresponding to the distance and frequency of foreign warships entering South Korean territorial waters. Preparations are underway to implement phased measures against unauthorized intrusions of foreign military aircraft into the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ).

Other items included in the current affairs report are the specification of military roles in the National Cybersecurity Basic Act, phased transition to AI-based manned-unmanned complex systems, and an increase in the active duty fitness rate from 85% this year to 88% next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.