North Korea has announced that it has tested technology that would allow it to launch multiple nuclear warheads with a single missile, marking a significant advancement in their nuclear capabilities. The test, which involved a MIRV system, could potentially make it harder for missile defense systems to intercept high-speed ballistic missiles. While experts believe that North Korea is still far from mastering this technology, the test has raised concerns about the increasing threat posed by the country.
Since North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hosted Russian President Vladimir V. Putin for talks last week, there has been speculation that their deepening ties could lead to an upgrade of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. The test of MIRV capability comes after the signing of a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” between Russia and North Korea that includes commitments to provide military assistance in times of attack. This has prompted fears that Russia may assist North Korea in further developing its missile capabilities.
The United Nations Security Council has issued multiple resolutions forbidding North Korea from developing or testing nuclear or ballistic missile technologies. However, North Korea has continued to expand its capabilities, particularly since direct diplomacy with then-President Donald J. Trump collapsed in 2019. The country’s nuclear force is heavily reliant on missiles as delivery vehicles, as it lacks advanced warplanes or submarines for launching.
During the recent test, North Korea successfully conducted the separation and guidance control test of individual mobile warheads using the first-stage engine of an intermediate-range solid-fuel ballistic missile. The test aimed to gauge the flight characteristics of individual warheads and improve the effectiveness of decoys meant to confuse defense systems. While North Korea has made progress with solid-fuel missiles and hypersonic missile technology, experts believe it is still years away from achieving true success in these areas.
In response to the growing threats from North Korea and China, the United States and South Korea have been expanding their joint defense posture. This includes joint exercises with Japan, as demonstrated by the recent arrival of a nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier group in South Korea for a three-way joint exercise. South Korea has also conducted live-fire artillery and rocket exercises near its western sea border with North Korea, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
While North Korea’s development of multiple-warhead nuclear missiles poses a significant threat, experts believe there are still significant challenges to overcome before this capability can be effectively deployed. The country’s deepening ties with Russia have raised concerns about the potential for further advancements in its missile technology. As the United States and its allies continue to monitor the situation closely and strengthen their defense postures in the region, the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear capabilities remains a pressing concern.
