Image source: topwar.ru
On the eve of the Central News Agency of North Korea published photos from the tests of a new type of tactical guided weapons. Pyongyang's state media reported that the weekend launches are of "great importance" for improving this type of missile.
At the same time, many foreign analysts believe that the recent missile tests in the DPRK may indicate the creation of tactical nuclear weapons by the country. Experts say that the events held by Pyongyang over the weekend are the most convincing evidence that it intends to arm its short- and medium-range missiles with nuclear warheads.
Ankit Panda, a senior researcher at the Carnegie Endowment's Stanton Nuclear Policy Program, noted that Kim's presence at the past tests underscores the special importance of the system being tested.
- the scientist added.
A similar opinion was expressed by Pak Won-gon, a professor at the Faculty of International Studies at Handong University, who said that the North apparently hints at plans to arm its short- and medium-range missiles not only with conventional warheads, but also with nuclear ones.
At the same time, he stressed that it is quite dangerous to rely on the fact that it will take Pyongyang many years to miniaturize nuclear warheads. The professor recalled that the DPRK state media back in 2017 showed photos of Kim standing next to, according to them, a miniature nuclear warhead.
In addition, the leader of North Korea himself stated in January 2021 that the country is capable of miniaturizing, facilitating and standardizing nuclear weapons and making them tactical.
- summed up the scientist.
Finally, satellite images of the North Korean Pungri nuclear test site published last week by the 38North website indicate that work on the restoration of Tunnel No. 3 is continuing. This is indirect evidence of Pyongyang's preparation for nuclear tests, which have not been conducted in the country for almost five years.