North Korea’s Military Power: A Closer Look at Kim Jong Un’s Arsenal

Recent developments have sparked a global conversation about North Korea’s military capabilities, particularly in the context of its missile technology. While North Korea is known for its extensive military power, there are questions about the advanced tank-missiles that are reportedly part of its arsenal.

North Korea, with its 1.3 million active personnel, has the fourth-largest military in the world¹. It is believed to possess chemical and biological weapons², and it has successfully tested missiles that could strike the United States with a nuclear warhead². However, the question remains: does North Korea’s military power extend to advanced tank-missiles?

The Reality of North Korea’s Military Power

North Korea’s military power is indeed formidable. The country has embarked on an accelerated buildup of nuclear weapons and the modernization of its already large conventional force². It has the material for more than one hundred nuclear weapons, according to analysts’ estimates².

Moreover, North Korea has been focusing on developing more weapons with built-in solid propellants³. These weapons are easier to move and hide, and can be made to launch quicker than liquid-propellant missiles³. The country also has an extensive lineup of short-range and mid-range solid-fuel missiles that can be fired from land vehicles, ships, and submarines³.

The Question of Advanced Tank-Missiles

Despite these impressive capabilities, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that North Korea possesses advanced tank-missiles. While photos of a tank released by North Korea show it has a launch tube for missiles⁴, this does not necessarily indicate the presence of advanced tank-missiles.

In fact, the weapons system shown in the photos is something the former Soviet Union already operated in the 1970s⁴. This suggests that while North Korea may have some form of tank-missile technology, it may not be as advanced as some might believe.

Conclusion

While North Korea’s military power is undeniably significant, the question of advanced tank-missiles remains unanswered. As the global community continues to monitor the situation, it is crucial to separate fact from speculation. For now, it appears that Kim Jong Un’s arsenal may not include advanced tank-missiles. However, the international community must remain vigilant and continue to promote peace and stability in the region.