Defense Intelligence Agency: "North Korea Capable of Nuclear Test Soon... Operationalizing Nuclear Second-Strike Capability"

Possible Nuclear Test Using Tunnel 3 at Punggye-ri
Preparations Underway to Operationalize Improved R-Class Submarine
Focus on Developing Hypersonic Cruise Missiles

The Defense Intelligence Agency reported to the National Assembly on November 5 that North Korea could conduct a nuclear test in the near future. It was also reported that North Korea is seeking to maintain military capabilities to retaliate after suffering a nuclear counterattack.

During a closed-door audit of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee held on this day, the Defense Intelligence Agency stated, "If Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, makes the decision, a nuclear test could be conducted in a very short period of time using Tunnel 3 at Punggye-ri." Park Sunwon, the Democratic Party secretary of the Intelligence Committee, and Lee Sungkwon, the People Power Party secretary, briefed the press, saying, "North Korea continues to enhance and expand its nuclear capabilities, has codified the possession and development of nuclear weapons in its constitution as of September 2023, and continues to demonstrate its nuclear capabilities in an effort to tacitly gain acceptance from the international community." They added, "North Korea is working to secure nuclear material by expanding uranium enrichment capabilities at facilities such as Yongbyon and has established the infrastructure to produce multiple and diverse nuclear warheads."

It was also reported that North Korea has been focusing on advancing its missile technology. The country is working to develop a 'second-strike capability,' allowing it to retaliate after suffering a nuclear attack.

Yonhap News Agency

The Defense Intelligence Agency reported, "North Korea is preparing to operationalize an improved R-class submarine to secure a nuclear second-strike capability and is developing covert underwater launch platforms, such as nuclear-powered submarines. In addition, North Korea is preparing for additional launches of military reconnaissance satellites with higher resolution than existing satellites, reportedly with Russian technical assistance."

The agency further stated, "North Korea is also focusing on developing various types of missiles and military reconnaissance satellites. In the case of long-range missiles, it is expected to soon deploy solid-propellant cruise missiles, four types of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), and 600mm multiple rocket launchers." The report continued, "For medium-range missiles, North Korea is concentrating on developing hypersonic cruise missiles to evade our defense systems, and its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are assessed to have a flight range of over 13,000 kilometers, capable of reaching the U.S. mainland."

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