I mean, it's only because it's below the theoretical threshold for minimum viable deterrence, and well below the threshold for warfighting. On top of that they're still pretty vulnerable to counterforce attacks.
They certainly have enough to stave off any sudden aggression from the west (who tend to be rather risk-averse; 1 is probably enough to do that), but not really enough to give them an edge in a war of aggression.
Russia's been helping them develop their nuclear technology in exchange for assistance in their war against Ukraine. It wouldn't surprise me if they're close to hypersonics.
The Nork nuke estimates are only completed warheads. They have enough nuclear material for something like 150+ and make more material daily.
They have already demonstrated reliable solid fuelled short range ballistic missiles, IRBMs, SLBMs and ICBMs.
Their older liquid fuelled stuff will probably be used to soak up interceptors or as sacrificial targets.
The mindset that Ukraine's command runs on is more like the one that exemplified the last stages of the Third Reich where they still assume that they can turn the tide with just one more spectacular piece of wunderwaffen used in a counter-attack and victory will land on their laps. Ironic, considering how many of them larp the eastern front out there. How this ties into the idea that they would expect more direct western support, the 2023 leak from that one intern did show that there's some western SF already within the country along with France and Britain having talks of deploying troops to guard the Belarus border in order to free more Ukrainians to the frontline. This would likely give them hope that they just need to hold on until the cavalry comes to save their asses
Yep. Meanwhile in the real world Ukraine IS VERY short of infantry and is stripping air defense troops, supply troops, aircraft ground crew and others to throw them into the Donbass as a good % of their best troops are in Kursk.
Meanwhile insane Ukrainian spergs and Nafo tards on X ( TeragamiUA for example) are screeching autistically about Trump wanting aid to Ukraine being in the form of loans to be paid back and not free money.
When told that Ukraine has already gotten HUNDREDS of billions in aid form the USA and EU, these tards cry about MUH RUSSIA BOTS and block you (from the comfort of Kiev or western/central Europe and NOT a trench in the Donbass oddly enough)
Sorry for being late. L-SAM is top of the line from South Korea. They're claiming better performance than Patriot. I mean just look at this thing:
View attachment 6973403
View attachment 6973406
This thing is big, fat, and fast. And being honest, even with Ruskie help, I doubt the norks are getting true hypersonics any time soon, certainly anything that L-SAM can't handle.
S. Korea claims a lot of things. This reminds me of a ground launched SM-3 or SM-6.
Will it work? Probably as Israel and the USN have shown vs Iranian ballistic missiles.
Does N. Korea have enough to overwhelm the South? Probably. Also, remember that N. Korea only needs 1-3 nukes to get through. Also Iranian ballistic missiles DID get through and the number that got through was possibly double digit.
1 for Seoul, 1 for Busan, and one more the the Lulz.
Here's more on that hgv
38North is always a fun read.
The Norks seem to focus mostly on ensuring they have far more artillery tubes than their southern counterparts. Then again, I suspect the main reason they sent that volunteer division to the Ukrainian front is to get a handle on how modern warfare goes with their existing guys.
That and ballistic missiles overmatch.
N. Korea has probably realized that cruise missiles are stupid easy to shoot down and are only useful when coming in via surprise or when you've mapped out the other guys AD network.
Shahed type drones are stupid cheap and are essentially slow, smaller cruise missiles.
Or you go big and make them supersonic/hypersonic.
Kim sent them for experience and to get more goodies from Russia.
Allegedly that'll be a good deal of refurbed Mig-29s and a shitload of spares (to finally get the KPAF to a 1990s baseline) and 1-4 squadrons of Sukhois, probably updated Su-27SKs, Su-30s and maybe even Su-34s.
Plus help with re-entry vehicles, air defense and possibly subs.
French BTFO.
