Since Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un’s historic meeting in Singapore in 2018, North Korea has remained elusive about its military capabilities. North Korea is a closed society, meaning that much of its military activities remain a mystery to outside observers. One subject of particular interest is whether North Korea has, or is capable of developing, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) bomb.
An EMP is an electro-magnetic shockwave generated by a nuclear explosion, designed to affect electronic devices such as computers, phones, and other forms of technology. Depending on the size of the bomb, and its height off the ground, an EMP can travel 1,000 kilometers or more, imperiling almost all technology within its range.
One expert from the Arms Control Association, who chose to remain anonymous, said that North Korea may have initiated experiments on EMPs in the early 2000s. This was supported by reports from the United Nations, which recorded metallic items recovered from North Korea at that time that may have been related to such experiments. However, the results of the studies were never made public.
In 2020, speculation and rumors have renewed as a possible EMP bomb test by North Korea was recently detected in the East Sea. Though the United Nations has yet to confirm these reports, it was seen as a likely nuclear undertaking. This is as EMP bombs can yield a result similar to a regular nuclear bomb without the extreme fallout.
Experts believe that the effects of an EMP bomb can be devastating, and it could prove extremely difficult to contain. The initial explosion would not be seen or heard but the effects would be felt or observed within seconds or minutes. In the seconds following detonation, all electronics and communications networks within range are damaged or destroyed, resulting in massive disruption to society.
In addition to the direct destruction, an EMP bomb can also cause secondary damage by setting off an unstoppable chain of events. This can include fires, explosions of equipment that ran before the EMP, deforestation, and more – ultimately leading to major loss of life and an ecosystem of destruction.
Given the potential for devastation such an attack could cause, an EMP bomb could become a weapon of choice for North Korea. Whether North Korea is actually capable of launching such a weapon is another matter. While it is likely they could develop one, they may not have the technological capability to deliver a secure and competent EMP attack.
EMP Bomb Range and Size
Experts believe that the size ofEMP bomb can vary depending on the strength of the detonation. It is estimated that EMP bombs can range from small, sub-kiloton bombs, to more powerful ones of up to hundreds of kilotons. The range of theEMP bomb is also dependent on its size, with larger bombs having the potential to travel greater distances.
North Korea loves to show its capability and power, and an EMP bomb could fit the bill. It is likely they would be able to assemble the necessary technology, but they would need to develop the capabilities to deliver such a bomb over a long distance. In the meantime, North Korea is likely to continue their tests on various kinds of nuclear weapons.
EMP Fighter Jets
Another development to watch for is the emergence of EMP fighter jets. Reports have indicated that the North Korean government has been developing the technology to attach an EMP device to a fighter jet, enabling it to deliver a non-lethal but disruptive pulse. This type of EMP delivery system would allow North Korea to make a statement without the risk of destroying cities and other infrastructure.
While the development of an EMP delivery system for fighter jets remains in its early stages, North Korea does possess the technology to build these weapons. By utilizing advanced radar and signal detection, North Korea has the potential to enable its jets to fly undetected and deliver an EMP.
These EMP fighter jets could prove to be an effective way for North Korea to project their power, as well as a way to pressure their adversaries. They also present a low risk option when compared to traditional weapons, but with the potential for an equally devastating blow. As such, they are likely to be an attractive option for North Korea.
Deployment of EMP Bombs
If North Korea was to develop an EMP bomb, it is likely they would deploy it strategically in order to minimize casualties while maximizing the damage to their enemies. This could include using the bomb in areas where their adversaries maintain bases or other infrastructure, or in locations where damage to life and property would be minimized. It is also likely that North Korea would deploy the bomb as a deterrent, in order to send a clear message that they are not to be taken lightly.
The North Korean government is known to be pragmatic and careful in their decision making and are unlikely to deploy any armament unless absolutely necessary. In the meantime, they are likely to continue to develop EMP technology, as well as continually upgrade their existing arsenal of weapons.
EMP Bomb Development
Engineers in both North Korea and the United States have been hard at work developing EMP bombs, with the goal of perfecting and miniaturizing the weapon. While EMP bombs are still in their early stages, it is already believed that the technology can be miniaturized to a point where it could be delivered via a conventional missile. This could greatly increase the range of the EMP and make it a much more attractive option for North Korea to use.
However, some experts disagree that North Korea has the ability to deliver such a weapon, claiming that the technological capabilities required for such a delivery are beyond their reach. Others believe that, given enough time, North Korea could eventually develop the necessary technology to deliver an EMP bomb.
International Impact
If North Korea is able to successfully deploy an EMP bomb, it could have a devastating effect on the global economy. With an EMP bomb, North Korea could target a region, disabling all communication and disrupting economic systems. This could have long-lasting implications, as recovery efforts could be incredibly difficult to undertake. Given the potential for such destruction, the international community has put a lot of pressure on North Korea to refrain from using EMP bombs.
In addition to the economic impact, anEMP attack could also destabilize regional security by further complicating the North Korean-US dispute. North Korea could be seen as the aggressor, which could bring other nations into the fray. This could lead to further tensions and a full-blown international conflict.
North Korea’s Motivation
A significant factor in North Korea’s potential deployment of an EMP bomb is their need for status and recognition. Unlike traditional weapons, an EMP bomb does not require an attack on physical targets, making it relatively low-risk for North Korea. This low-risk capability could appeal to North Korea, as it would place them at the center of world attention without risking the lives of their citizens.
With their need for recognition and the potential to cause severe disruption, it is likely that North Korea will continue to develop the technology needed to deploy an EMP bomb. While the international community may put pressure on North Korea to refrain from using the weapon, it is uncertain what steps may be taken to prevent them from doing so.
