North Korea is approaching a nuclear arsenal strong enough to surpass American missile defense (Bloomberg)

North Korea's nuclear arsenal is becoming increasingly threatening, reaching a critical threshold that allows it to surpass American missile defense systems.

At the end of January 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that North Korea could produce enough material to manufacture up to 20 nuclear warheads annually. If this pace is maintained, the North Korean arsenal could reach the level of France's by 2035. Currently, it is estimated that the regime possesses approximately 50 nuclear warheads. Despite U.S. efforts to stop Kim Jong Un's nuclear program, these attempts have failed, transforming North Korea from a "pariah state" into a member of the nuclear powers club.

The U.S. ground-based defense system, with interceptor missiles stationed in Alaska and California, may not be sufficient to counter a massive attack from North Korea. Additionally, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has discovered dual-use civilian components in North Korean missiles, highlighting how Pyongyang circumvents international sanctions.