North Korea’s ‘exponential’ nuclear program: why Kim Jong-un is racing to expand his arsenal
The heightened rhetoric from Pyongyang has left analysts asking why North Korea appears to need so many nuclear weapons
TL;DR
- Kim Jong-un declared expanding nuclear forces as the "most correct and unique way" to deal with global instability and perceived threats from the US and its allies.
- North Korea aims to equip warships with nuclear missiles, double weapons-grade production, and expand its arsenal at an "exponential rate".
- Analysts believe North Korea is building a large, dispersed arsenal to protect against intervention and to deter attacks, moving beyond minimum deterrence.
- The arsenal is designed to survive a first strike, including mobile launchers, underground facilities, and an expanding submarine fleet.
- Nuclear weapons are now embedded in North Korea's constitution to safeguard against decapitation strikes and signal that denuclearization is off the table.
- The deepening military ties with Russia and strengthened relationship with China insulate Pyongyang from external pressure.
- The US and South Korea will likely shift their focus from denuclearization to arms control, aiming to limit and gradually reduce the arsenal.