South Korea Estimates North Korea Could Possess Up to 120 Nuclear Weapons

South Korea Estimates North Korea Could Possess Up to 120 Nuclear Weapons

South Korea estimates that North Korea may possess between 80 and 120 nuclear weapons, according to Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back
a figure significantly higher than the 57 “very powerful” nuclear weapons recently cited by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ahn stressed, however, that determining the exact size of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal remains difficult. The estimates are based partly on analyses and research conducted by private organizations and assessments of North Korea’s nuclear production capabilities.

The discrepancy comes as North Korea continues to expand its nuclear and ballistic-missile programs, raising concerns across East Asia. Pyongyang has continued efforts to strengthen its strategic capabilities, including the development of increasingly sophisticated missile systems.

For Seoul, North Korea’s nuclear program remains one of the most serious threats to South Korea’s national security. South Korean authorities continue to closely monitor Pyongyang’s military activities, including missile tests, nuclear developments and efforts to expand its strategic weapons capabilities.