North Korea takes center stage in chilling look at new nuclear era

In an era where nuclear tensions once seemed relics of the Cold War, Ankit Panda’s latest book delivers a sobering reality check: The world is now more nuclear, less predictable and far harder to control — with North Korea no longer a “pipsqueak,” but a fully armed player in a crowded atomic club.

Panda, a senior fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, writes in “The New Nuclear Age: At the Precipice of Armageddon” about the growing risks of a new nuclear age featuring a larger number of states capable of unleashing nuclear havoc upon the world.

North Korea, one of those nuclear powers, was the subject of Panda’s 2020 book “Kim Jong Un and the Bomb: Survival and Deterrence in North Korea.”

In the book under review here, the author includes Pyongyang as one nuclear power among many in his look at the world now “at the precipice of Armageddon.”

In 2025, North Korea has rapidly escalated its military capabilities, unveiling advanced nuclear weapons and delivery systems that have drawn global concern. This article examines the developments that have positioned North Korea at the forefront of a new nuclear era.

---

*1. Emergence of the Choe Hyon-Class Destroyer*

In April 2025, North Korea launched the Choe Hyon-class destroyer, a 5,000-ton warship equipped with advanced weaponry, including vertical launch systems capable of firing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. This marks a significant enhancement of North Korea's naval power, with the destroyer expected to be operational by early next year. [1]

The destroyer's unveiling was accompanied by live-fire tests of various missile systems, demonstrating its offensive and defensive capabilities. Leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the importance of strengthening the country's maritime defense and announced plans to develop additional warships and a nuclear-powered submarine. [2]

---

*2. Advancements in Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles*

North Korea has made significant strides in its ICBM program, notably with the development of the Hwasong-19 missile. This solid-fueled, three-stage missile is capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) and reaching targets across the continental United States. [3]

The Hwasong-19's mobility and rapid launch capabilities make it a formidable addition to North Korea's strategic arsenal. Its development underscores the country's commitment to enhancing its deterrence capabilities and responding to perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies.

---

*3. Expansion of Nuclear Arsenal*

Estimates suggest that North Korea has produced enough fissile material to build up to 90 nuclear warheads, with approximately 50 assembled. The country has diversified its missile force, developing short-range tactical missiles, sea-based missiles, and new launch platforms, including silo-based and underwater systems. [4]

These advancements reflect North Korea's shift towards a more aggressive nuclear posture, abandoning its previous no-first-use policy and emphasizing the role of nuclear weapons in its national security strategy.

---

*4. International Implications and Responses*

North Korea's military developments have heightened tensions in the region and drawn international condemnation. The United States and South Korea have increased joint military exercises in response, while diplomatic efforts to engage North Korea have stalled.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly considered reinitiating nuclear disarmament talks with Kim Jong Un, following two unsuccessful summits during his first term. However, North Korea's continued weapons development and alignment with Russia complicate prospects for renewed diplomacy. [5]

---

*5. Conclusion*

North Korea's rapid advancement in nuclear weapons and delivery systems marks a significant shift in the global security landscape. The unveiling of the Choe Hyon-class destroyer, development of advanced ICBMs, and expansion of its nuclear arsenal underscore the country's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities. These developments pose serious challenges to regional stability and international efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.

---