BackKim Jong Un calls for increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials
The North Korean leader believes the weapons should be ready to be used any time.
PremiumNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for an increase in the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials in order to expand the country's nuclear arsenal. He emphasised that the weapons should be fully prepared for use at any time, according to state media KCNA. Kim made the statement while inspecting the country's nuclear weapons programme, during which trigger technology was tested.
KCNA also reported that the military simulated a nuclear air explosion strike with two ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missiles during Monday's firing training. Additionally, a defence think tank conducted tests on underwater strategic weapons systems.
According to Chinese defence experts, North Korea possesses a ballistic missile so powerful that it could cause destruction on American soil in just 33 minutes. The Hwasong-15 missile was fired by North Korea for the first time in 2017 and is the focus of research published in the Chinese-language journal Modern Defense Technology.
Also Read: North Korea launches ballistic missile, stokes concerns of threat against US
If the US missile defence network fails to intercept it, the North Korean missile could reach Central America in 1,997 seconds, or roughly 33 minutes.
These developments come as military exercises take place between the US and South Korea, and North Korea has also issued threats against America. Earlier on March 27, North Korea test-fired a suspected ballistic missile towards the east of the Korean peninsula, according to reports. South Korea’s Joint Chief of Staff confirmed the launch, and Japan’s Coast Guard detected a suspected ballistic missile launch, but further details are not yet available.
Also Read: North Korea can destroy America in 33 seconds, claims Chinese defence scientists
Recently, North Korea launched the Hwasong-15, a nuclear-capable missile, close to the Japan border. If the missile were to penetrate the US missile defence network, experts predict it could reach Central America within 33 minutes.
On March 19, it was reported that North Korea had launched a suspected missile towards the sea. Japan's Defense Ministry and coast guard confirmed the launch, while South Korea's military reported that North Korea had fired a ballistic missile towards its eastern waters, according to the Yonhap news agency.
(With agency inputs)
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