March 28, 2024
News

Seoul estimates North Korea has processed more plutonium for nukes

White paper says stockpile has increased from 50 to 70 kg, as DPRK seeks fissile material for tactical nuclear weapons

North Korea has likely increased its stockpile of plutonium for nuclear weapons, according to South Korea’s new defense white paper, the first time Seoul has reported an increase in six years.

The report released Thursday states Pyongyang has around 70 kg of the fissile material as of Dec. 2022, up from the previous white paper’s estimate of 50 kg in 2020 and reportedly enough for around a dozen nuclear warheads.

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