Having marked New Year’s Day with a missile test, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) development of a credible nuclear arsenal remains undeterred.

Maintaining an aggressive pace for its test launches of new missile designs, the DPRK has made several advancements towards the development of a globally ranged nuclear arsenal. The rapid pace of these advancements and the aggressive nature of these tests have ratcheted tensions, forcing neighbouring countries to reconsider their own military deterrents. South Korean (ROK) confirmation of the 16 December 2022 tests having been solid fuel, orbit capable missiles confirms tensions will rise, as these tests show the DPRK’s military nears a credible second-strike deterrent.