Was North Korea’s recent weapons test to ‘improve tactical nukes’ a warning of Kim Jong-un’s future nuclear capabilities?

Pyongyang’s test of ‘great significance’ came a day before annual US-South Korea military drill, and ahead of a visit to Seoul by the US envoy for North Korea

Analysts believe this weekend’s missile launch could indicate the North is planning a nuclear test, which could include miniaturised nuclear warheads

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A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows the test-fire of a new-type tactical guided weapon from an undisclosed location, realeased on Sunday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 1:03pm, 18 Apr 2022Updated: 6:06pm, 18 Apr 2022

North Korea’s fresh missile tests last weekend have raised concerns among analysts about whether the isolated regime is eyeing an escalatory move such as a nuclear test in the coming months.

Pyongyang’s state media reported on Sunday the military tested a new type of tactical guided weapon described to be of “great significance” in enhancing the operation of “tactical nukes”.

The tests came a day before a visit to Seoul on Monday by the US envoy for North Korea, Sung Kim, and his deputy Jung Pak, for talks to address Pyongyang’s increased missile launches and concerns over the possible resumption of nuclear testing.

Their arrival coincided with the start of a nine-day annual joint military drill by US and South Korean troops.

South Korea Army’s K1A1 tanks move during a military exercise in Paju, near the border with North Korea, South Korea on April 5. Photo: AP

The exercise is a “defensive command post training using computer simulation” and will not involve field manoeuvres by troops, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Sunday.