Nuclear warheads called Hwasan-31s can be used, for example, inside intercontinental missiles and submarine-launched missiles.
According to state media KCNA, North Korea has developed new, smaller nuclear warheads and has vowed to refine more uranium used for nuclear weapons.
KCNA released photos showing the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits the country’s nuclear weapons institute, where he is presented with new nuclear warheads called Hwasan-31s.
The release appears to be a reaction to the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz’s visit to Busan, South Korea.
In the North Korean ruling party’s media, the visit to Rodong Sinmun and the military exercise that preceded it with South Korea were considered an “open declaration of war” and “preparation for an attack”.
“This is worrying”
According to experts, small-sized nuclear warheads are suitable for transportation in intercontinental ballistic missiles, with which North Korea conducts missile tests.
The missiles in question can fly as far as the United States.
KCNA photos show signs showing Hwasan-31s nuclear warheads placed inside different styles of missiles.
– These are powerful weapons that fit in a small space, and this is worrying, said the professor emeritus of nuclear engineering at Seoul University Kune Y. Suh.
A former South Korean naval officer who teaches at Kyungnam University Kim Dong-yup according to the new nuclear warheads are suitable for use with at least eight different platforms, including missiles and submarines.
– Now that North Korea’s nuclear-tipped missiles are almost ready for use, they will probably start producing nuclear warheads next, perhaps even hundreds, he warned.
At the same time, North Korea continues to refine the nuclear material to be suitable for weapon use. According to KCNA, Kim ordered the country’s authorities to increase North Korea’s nuclear arsenal “exponentially”.
North Korea also said it has developed an underwater drone called Haeil-1, which can launch nuclear missiles and travel up to 600 kilometers.
Kim emphasized that the country’s nuclear weapons program is not directed against any individual country or group, but that its purpose is purely for national defense.
President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol responded to North Korea’s taunting by saying that it will not give the country financial aid as long as the country continues its nuclear program.
South Korea also said it is closely analyzing what North Korea’s new smaller nuclear warheads are capable of. South Korea said it considers claims of an underwater nuclear drone exaggerated.