Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
North Korea places tactical nukes front and center with New Year’s Day launch
DPRK seeks to make KN-25 the backbone of its tactical nuclear forces, though the weapon likely can’t play that role yet
January 1, 2023
Unfinished business: Overlooked developments of North Korea’s busy missile year
DPRK has yet to test an array of desired capabilities, while the succession question remains publicly unresolved
December 30, 2022
Kim Jong Un’s biggest accomplishments of 2022, according to state propaganda
Main newspaper lauds missiles, COVID ‘victory’ and construction while glossing over food shortages and other problems
December 30, 2022
North Korea steps up military parade training, pointing to large-scale event
New activity at Pyongyang training area suggests missile launchers will feature in parade, though date still unclear
December 30, 2022
40+ launches, 174K ethereum, 168* COVID cases: North Korea’s 2022 by the numbers
Data tells story of a record year of DPRK missile tests and crypto theft, as the virus finally breached border controls
December 30, 2022
Explainer: How North Korea is developing drones into weapons of war
Experts say adaptability of unmanned aerial systems provides multiple ways for DPRK to challenge South Korean defenses
December 29, 2022
EXCLUSIVE: Photos reveal North Korean COVID ‘isolation ward’ on Russia border
Signs, fencing and other evidence point to preparations to relax border controls for small numbers of people to enter
December 29, 2022
China ends quarantine for arrivals, removing barrier to accessing North Korea
Decision could put pressure on DPRK to relax its own border controls, though it has yet to indicate it will do so
December 27, 2022
Why Russian mercenaries would seek out North Korean weapons for Ukraine war
Experts say Wagner Group is able to pull off ‘shady deals’ for Moscow, while DPRK is well placed to provide arms
December 27, 2022
How Japan’s counterstrike plans help the ROK defend against North Korean threats
Seoul and Tokyo’s capabilities can mutually reinforce one another, as conflict on peninsula will inevitably involve both
December 27, 2022
