North Korea Could Carry Out Major Nuclear Test at Short Notice, South Korean Spies Warn

This undated picture released from North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on April 30, 2025 shows the test-firing of a weapons system from the deck of North Korea’s latest destroyer, the Choe Hyon, during two days of tests on April 28-29 off the coast of an undisclosed location in North Korea. Photo: Getty Image

South Korea’s Defence Intelligence Agency says North Korea could conduct a major nuclear test «in a short time» if leader Kim Jong Un orders it, and that Pyongyang is also showing signs of preparing more spy satellite launches with Russian technical support.

Lawmakers were told the assessment during a closed parliamentary audit, which said North Korea has facilities at the Punggye-ri test site ready for use and could mount a test quickly if directed. The agency also flagged activity suggesting further satellite launches aimed at higher-resolution reconnaissance.

The warning comes after Kim vowed in September to expand his country’s nuclear arsenal, and after recent North Korean tests of new solid-fuel rocket engines intended for longer range missiles. South Korean and US officials have in recent months reported signs of growing technical cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow on missile and satellite programmes.

Seoul has urged vigilance and continued coordination with allies as it monitors the situation. The Defence Intelligence Agency could not be reached for immediate comment.

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