South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Kyu-beok stated that, according to widely accepted estimates, North Korea may possess between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads. This is significantly more than the 57 warheads cited the previous day by US President Donald Trump. The minister cautioned, however, that it is difficult to determine the exact number, and that the range cited has not been officially confirmed by military sources.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking before a parliamentary committee, Ann<\/strong> He said that it was difficult to determine the exact number of warheads. He later clarified that the range had been established on the basis of estimates by private research organisations, and that the South Korean military could not officially confirm these figures.<\/p>\n Public estimates also vary due to differences in methodology. SIPRI estimated the number of warheads stockpiled as at the start of 2025 DPRK<\/a> approximately 50, whilst the stockpile of fissile material stands at approximately 40. In 2026, the Federation of American Scientists estimated the number of warheads assembled to be approximately 60, with fissile material amounting to at least 90.<\/p>\n South Korea has traditionally refrained from disclosing detailed public assessments of the DPRK\u2019s stockpile and does not recognise Pyongyang as a nuclear power, whilst maintaining its commitment to denuclearisation. When asked whether the words meant Trump<\/strong> When asked about Washington\u2019s recognition of North Korea\u2019s nuclear status, An declined to comment, stating that it was inappropriate for a defence minister to comment on the US President\u2019s remarks.<\/p>\n The minister stated that Seoul would continue to rely on the US nuclear umbrella. According to him, the country cannot develop its own nuclear weapons and should not agree to the deployment of US tactical nuclear weapons. The US and South Korea coordinate strategic and nuclear planning through the Nuclear Consultative Group.<\/p>\n\n
An assessment without official military confirmation<\/h2>\n
Seoul maintains its non-nuclear policy<\/h2>\n
Trump hopes to re-establish contact with Kim<\/h2>\n