North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could potentially conduct a nuclear test using Tunnel No. 3 at the Punggye-ri site in the near future, according to military analysis and projections released on Wednesday.
Rep. Park Sun-won of the Democratic Party, the ruling party’s secretary on the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee, disclosed this information after a closed-door audit of the Defense Intelligence Agency. He stated that North Korea continues to advance and expand its nuclear capabilities.
Park added that Pyongyang is persistently showcasing its nuclear prowess to pressure the international community into accepting its nuclear status. The regime is actively working to secure nuclear materials by expanding uranium enrichment facilities in Yongbyon and establishing multiple production sites for various nuclear warheads.
Intelligence suggests that North Korea has developed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with a range exceeding 13,000 km (about 8,078 miles).
Park noted that while North Korea has previously conducted only high-angle launches, there are indications they may be verifying key technologies for normal-angle launches.
He further revealed that North Korea is bolstering its submarine capabilities to ensure nuclear retaliation options. This includes the clandestine development of submarine-launched missile platforms and the potential construction of nuclear submarines.
Following the summit between Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Defense Intelligence Agency reported a significant surge in Chinese exports to North Korea.
Park elaborated that since the September 4 summit, they’ve observed a comprehensive uptick in North Korea-China relations. Chinese exports to North Korea rose by 30% year-on-year in September, with a dramatic 54% increase compared to August.
Intelligence also confirms that North Korea has reactivated some factories within the shuttered Kaesong Industrial Complex.
Rep. Lee Seong-gwon of the opposition People Power Party stated that they’ve confirmed that North Korea is operating select factories within the complex, likely under the influence of two adversarial nations. Particularly, facilities related to light industry and essential goods appear to be active.
While North Korea has ceased its loudspeaker broadcasts towards South Korea, reports indicate an increase in loudspeaker installations along the border.
Lee reported that although the broadcasts stopped on June 12, they’ve seen a net increase in loudspeaker facilities. One was removed, but two new ones were installed. He added that approximately 40 loudspeakers targeting South Korea remain in constant operation.
Regarding North Korea’s conventional military developments, Lee explained that they’re modernizing their forces, including the introduction of small vertical takeoff and landing drones. North Korea is focusing on upgrading its main battle tanks to offset mobility and firepower deficiencies. Lee added that it estimates this modernization effort will be completed around 2027.
