US Congress’ think tank raises estimate for size of North Korean nuclear arsenal | NK News
NK News Logo
September 16, 2026Sep 16, 2026

Weapon Directory

News

US Congress’ think tank raises estimate for size of North Korean nuclear arsenal

Congressional Research Service says DPRK has fissile material for up to 90 warheads after revealing new enrichment sites

North Korea has produced enough fissile material to build up to 90 nuclear warheads, and may have already assembled approximately 50 of them, according to a new report by the U.S. Congress’ think tank.

The report, published Friday, updates the Congressional Research Service’s (CRS) assessment of “North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons and Missile Programs” to reflect new estimates from non-governmental experts that indicate a significant increase in North Korea’s fissile material stockpile. 

A CRS assessment published in 2023 estimated enough material for 20 to 60 warheads, while another released last year reportedly gave the same figure.

Citing the U.S.