Russia’s close ally now has enough nuclear warheads and delivery systems to breach US missile defense

Apr 30, 2026 - 11:07

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North Korea, one of the closest allies of Russia, already possesses enough nuclear warheads and delivery systems to potentially breach US missile defense and carry out a limited strike, according to reporting by Bloomberg citing South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

Recently, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov visited North Korea, where both sides signed a new defense treaty, effective until 2031. Pyongyang has been supplying Russia with ammunition for its war against Ukraine. In return, Russia is assisting North Korea with food supplies as well as support for its missile program, per CNN.

He stated that Pyongyang is capable of producing enough fissile material each year to build up to 20 nuclear warheads, indicating a rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal.

Rapid nuclear buildup and long-term parity risks

At the current pace, North Korea’s arsenal could, within the next decade, approach the scale of countries like France. If production capacity continues to grow, the number of warheads could increase even faster.

Missile systems capable of penetrating US defenses

North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) family, including Hwasong-15, Hwasong-17, Hwasong-18, and Hwasong-19, is considered capable of penetrating US missile defense systems.

In addition, Pyongyang maintains a large inventory of shorter-range missiles capable of striking US allies in Asia and American military bases, including the strategic island of Guam.

Experts warn of rising nuclear threat

Analysts argue that North Korea is no longer merely issuing nuclear threats but may now possess the capability to act on them.

“They have more experience stewarding their nuclear forces; they have far greater confidence in their delivery systems,” Ankit Panda, expert from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, says.

Earlier US intelligence assessments estimated North Korea had around 10 missiles capable of reaching US territory. However, independent experts now suggest the country may possess up to 50 launchers, indicating significantly greater capability than previously assessed.