U.S. think tank: DPRK has secured capability to strike continental United States with ICBMs

[The Financial News] A U.S. think tank has assessed that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has already secured both the capability to strike the continental United States with an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) and the technology to miniaturize nuclear warheads.
In its "2026 Index of U.S. Military Strength" report published on the 5th (local time), The Heritage Foundation analyzed that the DPRK's nuclear and missile capabilities pose a direct threat to the United States of America (U.S.) and its allies.
The report classifies the DPRK, together with China, Russia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a country that threatens the core interests of the U.S. It rates the DPRK's level of provocation as "testing" and its physical military capabilities as "capable."
In particular, the report identifies the DPRK's progress in nuclear warhead miniaturization and the advancement of its missile capabilities as the most serious concerns. It states that the DPRK has already succeeded in miniaturizing nuclear warheads, can mount nuclear weapons on medium-range missiles, and has also acquired the capability to use ICBMs to strike the continental United States.
The report also raises the possibility that, if a conflict breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, the DPRK could attempt to split the Republic of Korea-United States Alliance (ROK-US Alliance) by using nuclear weapons. It suggests that Pyongyang might adopt a strategy of launching nuclear attacks on South Korean ports and airfields to block the deployment of additional U.S. forces, or directly threatening the continental United States.
The report further assesses that the DPRK has already demonstrated the ability to neutralize allied missile defense systems by launching multiple types of missiles simultaneously.
Its cyberwarfare capabilities are also cited as a major threat. The report analyzes that the DPRK is using cyberattacks as a form of guerrilla warfare, targeting hostile governments and international financial institutions.
The Heritage Foundation stressed, "In analyzing the strategic environment in Asia, it is necessary to strengthen the missile defense systems of U.S. allies such as South Korea and Japan in order to respond to the military threats posed by the DPRK and China."

km@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Kyung-min Reporter