Military Capabilities
The North Korean army is composed of the ground forces, navy, air force, and the Strategic Rocket Force, numbering around 1.3 million personnel in total. While their ground forces are large and considered their most powerful branch, the other branches of their military also possess considerable means at their disposal. The North Korean navy consists of around 70 submarines, 420 patrol crafts, 170 amphibious landing crafts, 250 coastal defence boats, and is estimated to have around 70,000 personnel. Their air force consists of 598 combat aircraft and close to 65,000 personnel, including the Air Defence Command which operates ground to air missiles, radar systems, and air defence artillery batteries. The Strategic Rocket Force, otherwise known as the Korean People’s Rocket Force, is believed to possess an arsenal of around 600 short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles.
Military exercises and drills
North Korea frequently holds military exercises and drills, often with the purpose of intimidating other countries, such as South Korea and Japan. These drills involve various military branches, such as their Air Force, Navy, and Army, and are reported by civilian and military personnel for signs that the North Korean military will soon launch an attack or operation. Further, last year, North Korea conducted a large-scale military drill which experimented with the combination of its ground forces, artillery, and special forces to attack an enemy position. North Korea is also reportedly capable of launching missiles in the span of a few minutes, as they have reportedly deployed their missiles, accompanied by fighter jets, one-minute after they take off to demonstrate their launch capabilities.
Weaponry and Technology
North Korea is believed to possess various types of powerful weaponry, such as the KN-08 intercontinental ballistic missiles, which is reported to have a maximum range of around 12,000 kilometers and can potentially reach targets within the United States. This missile is believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads and is one of the most powerful weapons that the North Korean military possesses. Other weapons, such as battle tanks, artillery, helicopters, and fighter jets, are also present in the North Korean military’s arsenal, with the latter being of a “medium-class” caliber.
Military Alliances
The North Korean military is supported by an array of international allies, such as China and Russia, who supply them with weapons and resources. Further, North Korea is also a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which is a security organization that consists of countries such as China and Russia. China has been consistently providing North Korea with both economic and military aid since the cold war and is believed to have strong security ties with the country. Additionally, North Korea is part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a 40-nation organization that works to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and related materials. All these allies, coupled with the weapons and resources they provide, strengthens the North Korean military.
Military Strength in Comparison to Other Countries
In comparison to South Korea, the North Korean military is often considered smaller, partly due to the fact that South Korea has an active military drafted force consisting of 6 million personnel. It has been reported that, when it comes to ships, North Korea possess around one-tenth the amount of vessels as South Korea, and possess approximately 7,700 tanks in comparison to South Korea’s 2,400 tanks. In terms of aircraft, North Korea has 598 combat aircraft compared to South Korea’s 873. While it is widely accepted that South Korea has a large and powerful military in comparison to their North Korean counterparts, North Korea’s military is still strong and has the capability to inflict immense destruction.
Expert Analysis
Despite North Korea’s reputation as an unpredictable and dangerous actor on the international stage, most experts agree that the North Korean military remain formidable. While there has been a lack of systematic assessment of North Korea’s military capabilities, many experts point to the country’s commitment to military training, as well as its increased legal military spending and access to resources, as indications of its potential for continued strength. Dr. Sean King, Senior Vice President at Park Strategies, LLC clarifies that “we are not about to see a North Korean ground attack in the South, [but] Pyongyang has some of the largest artillery holdings of any state on Earth and remains the most militarised nation on the planet.”
U.S.-North Korea Relations
The relationship between the United States and North Korea has been complex, but persisted in its current state of aggression for many years. Both countries have conducted missile launches, as well as military exercises and drills, in an attempt to threaten the other. This has come to a boil in recent years, particularly after 2017, when the United States accused North Korea of carrying out missile tests, in violation of the United Nations’ sanctions. This only deteriorated the already strained relationship between the two countries and has served to weaken the two countries’ relations.
Nuclear Arms and Missile Development Programs
North Korea is believed to possess a number of nuclear arms and missiles. Despite the United Nations’ ban on the country testing missiles, North Korea continues to carry out tests and develop new weapons. North Korea has also recently tested new missile systems that are capable of flying at greater distances and carrying heavier payloads. North Korea’s recent weapons development programs have, in the past, led to their region and the international community, to worrying about their military capabilities and their potential for destruction.
Conclusion to North Korea’s Military Strength
In conclusion, the North Korean military is considered a formidable force, despite lacking the resources and international support like South Korea. Its large ground forces, coupled with its nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, and other weapons, make it a dangerous foe. Its military exercises and drills are conducted to intimidate other countries, and it continues to push forward in terms of its weapons development program and efforts to strengthen its military capabilities. While North Korea may not yet have the capacity or capability to launch a large-scale attack, its strength should not be underestimated.
