Country increasing its nuclear capabilities

North Korea is believed to have more than 1,000 missiles of varying capabilities, including long-range missiles, which could one day strike the US.

Pyongyang’s programme has progressed over the last few decades from tactical artillery rockets in the 1960s and ’70s, to short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles in the 1980s and ’90s.

Systems capable of even greater ranges are now understood to be under research and development.

North Korea’s modern missile programme began with Scuds, with its first batch reportedly coming via Egypt in 1976.

By 1984, it was building its own versions called Hwasongs.

It is believed to have a variety of these short-range missiles which could target neighbouring South Korea. Relations between the two Koreas are fraught and they remain, technically, in a state of war.

The Hwasong-5 and Hwasong-6, also known as Scud-B and C, have ranges of 300km and 500km respectively, according to the US Centre for Nonproliferation Studies.

These missiles can deliver conventional warheads, but may also have biological, chemical and nuclear capabilities. Both these missiles have been tested and deployed, and the Hwasong-6 has also been sold to Iran.

North Korea went on to embark on a programme in the late 1980s to build a new medium-range missile, known as the Nodong, with a range of about 1,000km.

The missile is based on the Scud design, but is 50% larger and has a more powerful engine.

In an April 2016 analysis, the International Institute for Strategic Studies said the missiles were a “proven system which can hit all of South Korea and much of Japan”.

It added that a variant displayed in October 2010 could possibly reach 1,600km, meaning it could hit US bases in Okinawa.

North Korea has been developing Musudan missiles for several years, and most recently conducted several tests in 2016.

Estimates differ dramatically on its range, with Israeli intelligence putting it at 2,500km and the US Missile Defence Agency estimating about 3,200km. Other sources put its upper limit at 4,000km.

The lower range of the Musudan, also known as the Nodong-B or the Taepodong-X, will enable it to hit the whole of South Korea and Japan.