Nuclear weapons at a glance: North Korea

Despite having conducted a number of nuclear tests, and demonstrated its missile capabilities, North Korea is not officially recognised by the international community as a nuclear weapons state.

It is, however, acknowledged as nuclear capable and since 2011 North Korea’s nuclear programme has accelerated.

In summary:

• Since 2006 North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests, the most recent in September 2017.
• Opinions are divided on the size of its stockpile. SIPRI’s most recent estimate places North Korea’s nuclear warheads between 30 and 40. It continues to produce fissile material for weapons purposes.
• In July 2017 North Korea successfully tested, for the first time, an ICBM technically capable of striking the United States.
• North Korea is thought to have achieved miniaturisation of a nuclear warhead, a technological threshold in the attainment of a credible ICBM nuclear capability.
• Has a first use policy.