South Korea National Intelligence Service (NIS) HQ
Both Jeffrey and I have written before, about whether North Korea has a deliverable nuclear weapon.
Just to provide another data point, ROK intelligence reportedly assessed in February that Seoul’s northern neighbor may have nuclear devices, but probably can’t deliver them because they’re too heavy.
The relevant excerpt:
When North Korea said in February that it possessed nuclear weapons, confirming long-held suspicions in the United States, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said Pyongyang probably lacked the technology to fire them on a rocket.
“North Korea might have developed one or two conventional nuclear bombs, but if it did, it may not have the technology to launch them on a missile,” the NIS report said.
“We believe North Korea has not acquired enough technology to miniaturize nuclear bombs which must weigh less than 500 kilograms to be mounted on a missile.”
I had seen the reporting about the NIS conclusions, but had forgotten about the 500 kg number.
