05/13/2015 at 18:08 · Johnny · 105 490

Top 10 nuclear powers in the world

Today, nuclear weapons are thousands of times more powerful than the two infamous atomic bombs that destroyed the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. From the moment of this bombing, the nuclear arms race of various countries entered a different phase, and never stopped under the pretext of nuclear deterrence.

10. Iran

• Status: Charged with unofficial possession.
• First test: never.
• Final test: never.
• Arsenal size: 2,400 kilograms of low-enriched uranium.

Top U.S. military officials unanimously say that Iran can produce at least one nuclear weapon a year, and it takes a maximum of five years to develop a modern, functional atomic bomb.

At present, the West regularly accuses Tehran of developing nuclear weapons, which is just as regularly denied by the leadership of Iran. According to the official position of the latter, the state's nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes and is being developed for the energy needs of enterprises and medical reactors.

After international verification in the sixties, Iran had to abandon its nuclear program (1979). However, according to secret Pentagon documents, it was resumed in the mid-nineties. For this reason, UN sanctions were imposed on the Asian state, the introduction of which should stop the development of Iran's nuclear program, which threatens peace in the region, nevertheless, Iran is a nuclear power.

9. Israel

• Status: not official.
• First test: possibly 1979.
• Last test: possibly 1979.
• Arsenal size: up to 400 units.
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): signed.

Israel is considered a country that not only possesses full-fledged nuclear weapons, but is also capable of delivering them to various points by means of intercontinental ballistic missiles, aircraft or navy. The state began its nuclear research shortly after its founding. The first reactor was built in 1950, and the first nuclear weapon in the sixties.

Currently, Israel does not seek to maintain the reputation of a nuclear power, however, many European countries, including France and the UK, are actively assisting Israel in this industry. You should be aware that information has leaked out that the Israelis have built mini-nuclear bombs that are small enough to fit in a suitcase. In addition, they were reported to possess an unknown amount of neutron bombs.

8.

• Status: official.
• First test: 2006.
• Last test: 2009.
• Armory size: less than 10 units.

In addition to possessing a significant arsenal of advanced chemical weapons, North Korea is a full-fledged nuclear power. Currently, the state of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has a couple of operating nuclear reactors.

To date, North Korea has two successful nuclear tests, which were confirmed by international experts based on the results of a survey and monitoring of seismic activity in the test areas.

7.

• Status: official.
• First test: May 28, 1998.
• Last test: May 30, 1998.
• Armory size: 70 to 90 units.
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): not signed.

Pakistan has resumed its previously aborted nuclear program in response to India's "Buddha Smile" tests. The official statement of the authorities contains the following words: “If India creates an atomic bomb, we will eat grass and leaves for a thousand years, or even starve, but we will get a similar weapon. Christians, Jews, and now Hindus have the bomb. Why don't Muslims allow themselves to do this? “. This phrase belongs to Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto after testing in India.

Recall that Pakistan's nuclear program was born in 1956, but was frozen by order of President Ayub Khan. Nuclear engineers tried to prove that the nuclear program is vital, but the country's president said that if a real threat arises, Pakistan will be able to acquire ready-made nuclear weapons.

The Pakistan Air Force has two units operating the Nanchang A-5C (No. 16 and No. 26 Squadrons), which are excellent for delivering nuclear warheads. Pakistan ranks seventh in our ranking of the world's nuclear powers.

6. India

• Status: official.
• First test: 1974.
• Last test: 1998.
• Armory size: less than 40 to 95 units.
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): not signed.

India possesses an impressive number of nuclear weapons, and is also capable of delivering them to their intended destination using aircraft and surface ships. In addition, its nuclear missile submarines are in the final stages of development.

The first nuclear test conducted by India had the original name "Smiling Buddha", as if this nuclear explosion had an exclusively peaceful purpose. The reaction of the world community to such actions followed after the 1998 tests. Economic sanctions against India were imposed by the United States, Japan and their Western allies.

5.

• Status: official.
• First test: 1964.
• Last test: 1996.
• Armory size: about 240 units.
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): signed.

Almost immediately after testing the first atomic bomb, China tested its own hydrogen bomb. These events took place in 1964 and 1967, respectively. Currently, the People's Republic of China has 180 active nuclear warheads and is considered one of the most powerful world powers.

China is the only state with a nuclear arsenal that has given security guarantees to all countries that do not possess such technologies. The official part of the document reads: “China undertakes not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones, regardless of time and under no circumstances.”

4.

• Status: official.
• First test: 1960.
• Last test: 1995.
• Arsenal size: at least 300 units.

France is a member of the "NPT" and is known to possess weapons of mass destruction. Developments in this direction in the Fifth Republic began after the end of the Second World War, but it was not possible to create an atomic bomb until 1958. Tests in 1960 made it possible to verify the operability of the weapon.

To date, France has carried out more than two hundred nuclear tests, and its potential puts the country in fourth place in world ranking of nuclear powers.

3.

• Status: official.
• First test: 1952.
• Last test: 1991.
• Armory size: more than 225 units.
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): ratified.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain ratified the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty back in 1968. The United States and the United Kingdom have cooperated closely and mutually on nuclear security issues since the signing of the 1958 Mutual Defense Treaty.

In addition, these two countries (the United States and Great Britain) also actively exchange various secret information received by the special services of the states.

2. Russian Federation

• Status: official.
• First test: 1949.
• Last test: 1990.
• Armory size: 2,825 units.
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): ratified.

The Soviet Union was the second country to detonate a nuclear bomb (1949). From that moment until 1990, Russia carried out at least 715 nuclear tests involving the testing of 970 different devices. Russia is one of the strongest nuclear powers in the world. The first nuclear explosion, with a yield of 22 kilotons, received its own name "Joe-1".

The Tsar Bomb is by far the heaviest nuclear weapon of all time. It passed the test in 1967, detonating a whopping 57,000 kilotons. This charge was originally designed at 100,000 kilotons, but was reduced to 57,000 kilotons due to the high potential for excessive fallout.

1. United States of America

• Status: official.
• First test: 1945.
• Last test: 1992.
• Armory size: 5,113 units.
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): signed.

In total, the US has conducted more than 1,050 nuclear tests and ranks at the top of our top ten. nuclear world powers. At the same time, the state possesses missiles with a nuclear warhead delivery range of up to 13,000 kilometers. The first test of the atomic bomb "Trinity" was carried out in 1945. It was the first explosion of its kind in world history, which demonstrated a new type of threat to humanity.

One of the greatest luminaries of the scientific world, Albert Einstein, approached President Franklin Roosevelt with a proposal to build an atomic bomb. So the creator unwittingly became the destroyer.

Today, more than twenty secret facilities operate under the nuclear program of North America. It is curious that during the tests in the United States, many incidents with nuclear weapons were noted, which, fortunately, did not lead to irreparable consequences. Examples are near Atlantic City, New Jersey (1957), at Thule Air Force Base, Greenland (1968), in Savannah, Georgia (1958), at sea near Palomares, Spain (1966), off the coast of Okinawa, Japan (1965), etc.

The confrontation between the two most powerful nuclear powers in the world, Russia and the United States: video

March 28, 2013 at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO RAS) an international conference was held on the topic: "Restoration of the nuclear non-proliferation regime on the Korean Peninsula." It was attended by Russian and foreign scientists and experts in the field of international security and international relations, including the representative of the journal "Political Education", an expert of the Association of Military Political Scientists Alexander Perendzhiev.

Opening the scientific forum, Aleksey Arbatov, head of the Center for International Security of the IMEMO RAS, drew the attention of its participants to the fact that the current political tension on the Korean Peninsula and the opening of the scientific forum are coincidences. "We didn't agree!" - joked Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.G. Arbatov.

Presentations were made by Vasily Mikheev, Deputy Director of IMEMO RAS, Viktor Esin, Leading Researcher at the Institute for the USA and Canadian Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Vladimir Novikov, Deputy Head of the Center for Defense Research at the RISS.

At the beginning of his report, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.V. Mikheev noted that the key to understanding the relationship between the domestic and foreign policies of the DPRK leadership is the survival of the regime. The political and economic reforms carried out in Russia and China are perceived by the political elite of North Korea as a threat to its existence. Hence, Pyongyang's play on the contradictions between various world centers, including the ASEAN states.

According to V.V. Mikheev, North Korea does not have the technical capabilities to build a nuclear bomb. At the same time, it should be noted that in this case the positions of the United States, China and Russia completely coincide - a nuclear North Korea is unacceptable to anyone!

However, there is an ambiguity in the Chinese position on this issue. On the one hand, the Chinese say that the DPRK is our brothers and must be protected. On the other hand, Beijing believes that North Korea is a kind of buffer between China and the United States. In addition, there is also an opinion in the Celestial Empire that a feudal communist regime has been established in the DPRK, which does not want to change.

At present, the Chinese have equipped the border with North Korea, installed surveillance cameras there. As a result, the number of Korean defectors has significantly decreased, almost to zero. Beijing establishes tight control over North Korean assets in China. It is assumed that there are 1 billion dollars of North Korean deposits on Chinese territory.

The leadership of South Korea, and along with it many politicians in the world, believes that the path to ending the North Korean nuclear program is not through negotiations. For Pyongyang, nuclear weapons are the main export commodity. Therefore, in Seoul and in some other capitals, they believe that the only way to solve the North Korean problem is through regime change. But such a policy causes aggressiveness on the part of Pyongyang. Therefore, V.V. Mikheev, either you need to act tough against the DPRK, or follow the path of involving North Korea in international projects.

Why is the DPRK again now (February 12 this year) conducted nuclear tests? On the foreign policy side, Kim Jong-un has shown the world that he does not intend to change his father's regime. But still, domestic political aspects influenced the conduct of regular nuclear tests. The head of state decided to show his determination and counteract the emerging opinion in North Korean society that he was "not the right leader." That is, measures are being taken by Kim Jong-un to legitimize his regime in the eyes of the population and express the interests of other members of the polyelite who cling to the old.

Why is North Korea not afraid to conduct nuclear tests? First, Pyongyang believes that the confrontation between Russia and the US, between the US and China, will be eternal. Secondly, sanctions from Washington are not so “painful”. Sanctions from China could become the most sensitive, but Beijing has not yet threatened Pyongyang with such actions. The European Union is also unable to put pressure on the DPRK, and is interested in North Korean assets.

According to V.V. Mikheev, the command and control system of North Korea has collapsed and is currently incapacitated. North Korea "lives" at the expense of the "gray" and "black" economy. Demand for North Korean products is provided by those who have access to the West - part of the political elite, the highest ranks of the army, representatives of the highest stratum of the bureaucracy. In the DPRK, there is a "wild" stratification of society: 10-15% live very well, but 30% are below the poverty line, there are even cases of cannibalism.

From the point of view of the moral and psychological climate in North Korea, there is complete decomposition. "Golden" youth - future representatives of the political elite are addicted to foreign cigarettes, alcohol, drugs.

The internal political situation in the DPRK is unstable. Kim Jong-un is not a leader, like his father and grandfather, but a "roof" under which several groups are fighting for the distribution of resources.

Trying to find a way out of the current situation both around North Korea and within it, V.V. Mikheev proposes to strengthen the China-South Korea tie when influencing Pyongyang, to increase the effectiveness of coordination of the actions of the five member states on North Korea, and to organize pressure on the leadership of the DPRK (“Pyongyang should be scared”).

In the course of answering questions, Vasily Mikheev explained that there are prerequisites for regime change in the DPRK. However, it is not yet clear what events will explode the situation. It is quite probable that military actions could become such events. But the leaders of the DPRK are unlikely to agree to this. In addition, North Korea has a mutual assistance agreement with China, although Beijing does not benefit from such a state of the political regime in Pyongyang. After all, next, in fact, the territory of an unstable state! But which of the states can benefit from such a state? Perhaps India, which, illegally, has nuclear weapons and is in a confrontation with China!

Colonel-General (retired) V.I. Yesin noted that Pyongyang "has something in its bosom." The latest nuclear test showed that North Korea is committed to developing a "compact nuclear weapon." It becomes obvious that the DPRK's renunciation of nuclear weapons is out of the question! In his report, military expert V.I. Yesin reminded the audience about the history of the formation of the nuclear program and the development of missile production in the DPRK, the role of the PRC and the USSR in these processes. In addition, the former chief of the main headquarters of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Soviet Union familiarized the audience with the possible equipping of the modern North Korean army with nuclear weapons, its combat capabilities, and the tactical and technical characteristics of the DPRK's weapons with nuclear warheads.

According to V.I. Yesin, North Korea is not yet able to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile in the near future. However, the development of such a missile can be significantly accelerated with the help of Iranian specialists.

Candidate of Economic Sciences V.E. Novikov continued the topic of cooperation between the DPRK and Iran in the development of a nuclear program and missile technologies, as well as the possible scientific potential of North Korea. Thus, according to the speaker, from 600 to 800 North Korean specialists were trained abroad, including China, Japan, and the USSR. The nuclear program of the DPRK is carefully classified. The North Koreans privately demonstrated 2,000 centrifuges to a Western correspondent, which indicates the seriousness of Pyongyang's intentions to possess nuclear weapons.

In the course of the discussion that unfolded, the conference participants not only analyzed the problems inside the DPRK, its nuclear potential, the role of other states and international organizations in influencing the North Korean nuclear problem, but also ways to solve it. Despite the difficulty of the search, the majority on the scientific form liked the proposal to create a union state a la "Russia-Belarus" - China-DPRK, in order to mitigate the regime in Pyongyang.

Alexander Perendzhiev, a representative of the journal "Political Education", drew the attention of the audience to the fact that the problem in the end may not be WHEN the regime change will occur in Pyongyang, but HOW it will occur. Recently it became known about the cases of mass desertion of North Korean soldiers in the Chinese army. At the same time, representatives of various political groups are fighting for power around Kim Jong-un, but they are all dressed in military uniforms!

In addition, according to A.N. Perendzhieva, we must say not only that the DPRK is using the contradictions between the leading states of the world, but that world leaders are also playing the “North Korean card”. Thus, the United States, deploying a missile defense system in Asia, declares that it is acting against the nuclear threat from the DPRK. However, elements of the American missile defense system in the Asian part can also be used against China! And the Chinese leadership is aware of this danger! Therefore, most likely, the North Korean nuclear problem can only be solved in a comprehensive manner, changing the entire existing system of international security and international relations.

• User Blog Alexander Perendzhiev
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In addition, the DPRK is extremely

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Good afternoon By

Good afternoon

Thank you for your attention!

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In my opinion, the chances that the DPRK

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Good afternoon Though

Good afternoon

Thank you for your attention!

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North Korea in the coming

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In my opinion, none

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In my opinion, none

In my opinion, there can be no talk of any military clashes between North and South Korea for one simple reason - it is not beneficial to anyone. (If you do not take into account the interests of the United States)

Such a conclusion can be drawn at least from the fact that Kim Jong-un has been in power for a relatively short time (since the end of 2011), and any politician in power wants to keep it as long as possible. But since the government is threatened by social destabilization associated with the loss of faith in its leadership abilities, the manifestation of the DPRK's readiness to respond to "military provocations" looks like an attempt aimed at restoring that very trust, as well as intimidating external "irritants". But I do not think that he is ready to start a full-scale war, since he must be aware of the 99% probability of his destruction.

Consequently, in my opinion, all the "hype" about the danger of the use of nuclear weapons by the DPRK is nothing more than the formation of public opinion in favor of America's deployment of its missile defense systems on Asian territory.

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In my opinion, the presence in the DPRK

In my opinion, the presence of nuclear weapons in the DPRK and the demonstration of its performance is just Kim Jong-un's way to keep power in his hands and prevent the DPRK from following the path of Syria. In modern North Korea, there are too many internal problems related to both governance in the state, the legitimacy of power, and economic aspects. In such a situation, the only way to keep power in his hands for Kim Jong-un is to build up and demonstrate military power in order to completely exclude the influence of the United States and its allies on the internal politics of the DPRK. Also, do not forget about the joint exercises of the United States and South Korea, which add fuel to the fire.
Tryakin Pavel, 4th year student of FPP im. Plekhanov.

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In my opinion, none

In my opinion, there can be no talk of any military clashes between North and South Korea for one simple reason - it is not beneficial to anyone. (If you do not take into account the interests of the United States)

Such a conclusion can be drawn at least from the fact that Kim Jong-un has been in power for a relatively short time (since the end of 2011), and any politician in power wants to keep it as long as possible. But since the government is threatened by social destabilization associated with the loss of faith in its leadership abilities, the manifestation of the DPRK's readiness to respond to "military provocations" looks like an attempt aimed at restoring that very trust, as well as intimidating external "irritants". But I do not think that he is ready to start a full-scale war, since he must be aware of the 99% probability of his destruction.

Consequently, in my opinion, all the "hype" about the danger of the use of nuclear weapons by the DPRK is nothing more than the formation of public opinion in favor of America's deployment of its missile defense systems on Asian territory.

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In addition, the DPRK is extremely

In addition, the DPRK is extremely dissatisfied with the sanctions of the UN Security Council, after North Korea conducted a series of underground tests, of a nuclear nature and the launch of rockets with a satellite. The provisions of the resolution include measures against North Korean political elite deposits, searches of diplomats, freezing of bank accounts and other financial measures. All this also to some extent influenced the tension of the situation - it creates discomfort for Pyongyang. BUT nevertheless, Kim Jong-un (as the grandson and son of a mighty dynasty) needs to show his people that he is able to pacify his overseas comrades. But I doubt that the DPRK is serious about fighting.

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Good afternoon By

Good afternoon

According to this article, there is an opinion that by squeezing the DPRK in tight, Russia may lose the main buyer of our weapons - India. Since India is in cooperation with the DPRK, and this hurts our economic pocket. The change of power in the DPRK will not happen by itself, a push is needed, the question arises who will carry out this push? The PRC will not do this without any special reason, Russia is not capable of taking any serious actions at the moment, only the United States remains. And most likely they will start because for many years they have been actively fighting for the presence of nuclear weapons. But what if, indeed, the United States is inflating this problem only because of placing missile defense systems closer to the borders of a strong enemy (PRC), by eliminating a weaker adversary (DPRK)? Or even worse, the United States has melded with the PRC in order for the missile defense ring to narrow as much as possible at the Russian borders?! And what is happening right now is just the tip of the iceberg? At the moment, we cannot give a fitting rebuff to either the United States or China.

The whole of Asia is on pins and needles, and resolving this issue through the armed forces can lead to a chain reaction, such as the "Arab Spring"! so you need to decide as quickly as possible and as decisively as possible, provided that the country that will make this fatal push will have to take full responsibility for what is happening!

Thank you for your attention!

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In my opinion, the chances that the DPRK

In my opinion, the chances that the DPRK will start a war are negligible.

In the DPRK, even without a war, there are plenty of problems (“wild” stratification of society: 10-15% of the population lives very well, but 30% is below the poverty line). Kim Jong-un acts as an "interstate blackmailer". All his threats are empty and, as before, are used to obtain certain benefits. He simply enhances his reputation as a strong and independent leader, and the easiest way to rally his people in the face of an alien threat, which is the United States.

A change of power, in my opinion, is also unlikely. Even if it happens, what's next? Unification of Korea? Neither the United States nor China needs a unified Korea.
A nuclear North Korea is unacceptable to anyone! Fully agree with this statement. The nuclear club should not expand. With each new member, the threat to international security increases.

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Good afternoon Though

Good afternoon

Although there is an opinion that the DPRK will not start hostilities, because. too weak, but it seems to me that if the United States presses hard, Kim's nerves will not be able to withstand it. It's like with a rat, if he is squeezed into a corner, he will beat until he loses his pulse! And Kim Jong-un may be a swindler, but he will not disgrace the honor of his family, and he certainly will not give up without a fight! And as for nuclear weapons, it certainly cannot be given to weak and politically unstable states!

Thank you for your attention!

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North Korea in the coming

North Korea may increase its arsenal to 48 nuclear weapons in the next few years. This is stated in a report published on Friday by the US Institute of Science and International Security. Satellite images show that Pyongyang is building a light water nuclear reactor, which, according to official data, will be used for peaceful purposes. However, it can also produce weapons-grade plutonium, the report notes. In addition, a uranium enrichment plant is being built in North Korea to produce fuel for a new light water reactor. However, there are speculations that the plant could be used by the North Korean leadership to produce highly enriched uranium. The authors of the report argue that if the light water reactor is not used to produce weapons-grade plutonium, the DPRK's nuclear arsenal by 2016 is likely to be between 14 and 25 nuclear units. weapons. If Pyongyang produces weapons-grade plutonium in a light water reactor and highly enriched uranium at a new plant, then by the end of 2016, the North Korean leadership will already have 28 to 39 nuclear weapons at its disposal. In addition, some experts believe that the DPRK has another secret facility for the production of highly enriched uranium. If these data are true, then the nuclear arsenal of North Korea by the end of 2016 may be from 37 to 48 units, according to Voice of Russia. The authors of the report find it difficult to determine whether the DPRK has carriers for the delivery of nuclear charges. that North Korea continues to circumvent sanctions bans imposed earlier by the UN Security Council in response to its nuclear and missile tests. As noted in the report of a group of experts of the world organization, the violations, in particular, include the illegal supply of weapons and luxury goods to North Korea. According to experts, this proves that Pyongyang actively continues to ignore the measures provided for in UN Security Council resolutions. In April of this year, North Korea declared itself a nuclear power. A corresponding amendment was made to the constitution. Analysts attribute this change to Pyongyang's desire to achieve international recognition as a nuclear power. Let us note that the DPRK periodically makes statements about conducting a new nuclear test. In addition, the North Korean authorities announced that they may take measures in "self-defense" in response to diplomatic pressure from the United States after the launch of the DPRK satellite. According to a spokesman for the country's foreign ministry, Pyongyang will "develop its nuclear deterrent as long as the US continues its hostile policy."

Tryakin Pavel, 4th year student of FPP im. Plekhanov.

Consequently, in my opinion, all the "hype" about the danger of the use of nuclear weapons by the DPRK is nothing more than the formation of public opinion in favor of America's deployment of its missile defense systems on Asian territory.

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North Korea has successfully tested an intercontinental missile, but it is not the only country that threatens the world with nuclear weapons.

The US military believes that another missile launched by the DPRK belongs to the class of intercontinental missiles. Experts say that it is capable of reaching Alaska, which means that it poses a direct threat to the United States.

"A Gift for the Yankees"

The Hwangson-14 missile was launched by North Korea on the morning of Tuesday, July 4. On this day, America celebrates Independence Day. The rocket flew 933 km in 39 minutes - not far, but that's because it was launched very high. The highest point of the trajectory was at a distance of 2,802 km above sea level.

Rocket "Hwanseong-14" before launch. Photo: Reuters/KCNA

She fell into the sea between North Korea and Japan.

But if Pyongyang had a goal to attack any country, the missile would be able to cover a distance of 7000-8000 km, which is enough to reach not only Japan, but also Alaska.

North Korea says it is capable of equipping its missile with a nuclear warhead. Nuclear weapons experts doubt whether Pyongyang currently has the technology to produce sufficiently compact warheads.

However, the Hwangseong-14 tests happened earlier and were more successful than expected, John Schilling, an American missile weapons expert, told Reuters.

"Even if it's a 7,000-km-range missile, a 10,000-km-range missile that could hit New York is not a distant prospect," Middlebury Institute for International Studies' East Asia Nonproliferation Program Director told The New York Times. Geoffrey Lewis.

Approximate range of the Hwangseong-14 missile. Infographic: CNN

The launch showed that no sanctions on the DPRK are in effect. On the contrary, threats only stimulate the country's leader Kim Jong-un to continue to clap weapons and demonstrate the power of his arsenal.

After the test, he, according to the North Korean State News Agency, said that the US would not like the "package of gifts for their Independence Day." Kim Jong-un ordered scientists and the military to "send big and small 'gift packages' to the Yankees more often."

China and Russia issued a joint statement calling on North Korea to halt its missile and nuclear programs and the US and South Korea to refrain from large-scale military exercises.

However, Washington did not heed the calls of Moscow and Beijing. On Wednesday morning, they held demonstration launches of Hyunmu II missiles, which are capable of hitting targets at a distance of 800 km.

Tensions are rising and the world is talking about nuclear war again. However, North Korea is not the only country capable of starting it. Today, seven more countries officially possess a nuclear arsenal. Israel can be safely added to them, although it has never officially admitted that it possesses nuclear weapons.

Russia is the leader in terms of

The US and Russia together own 93% of the world's nuclear arsenal.

Distribution of the world nuclear arsenal. Infographic: Arms Control Association, Hans M. Kristensen, Robert S. Norris, U. S. Department of State

According to official and unofficial estimates, the Russian Federation has a total of 7,000 nuclear weapons. Such data are provided by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the American organization Arms Control Association.

According to the data exchanged between the Russian Federation and the United States under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, as of April 2017, Russia had 1,765 strategic warheads.

They are deployed on 523 long-range missiles, submarines and strategic bombers. But this is only about deployed, that is, ready-to-use nuclear weapons.

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) estimates that Russia has approximately 2,700 non-deployed strategic, as well as deployed and non-deployed tactical warheads. In addition, 2,510 warheads are awaiting dismantling.

Russia, according to a number of publications on the National Interest website, is modernizing its nuclear weapons. And in some positions ahead of its main enemy - the United States.

It is on them that the power of the Russian nuclear potential is mainly directed. And Russian propagandists do not get tired of reminding us of this. The brightest in this case was, of course, Dmitry Kiselev with his "nuclear ashes".

However, there are also opposite estimates, according to which the lion's share of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads is hopelessly outdated.

USA at a crossroads

In total, the Americans currently have 6,800 nuclear weapons. Of these, deployed, according to the data of the treaty on the reduction of strategic weapons in April 2017, 1411 strategic warheads. They are deployed on 673 long-range missiles, submarines and strategic bombers.

FAS estimates that the US also has 2,300 non-deployed strategic warheads and 500 deployed and non-deployed tactical warheads. And another 2,800 warheads are waiting to be dismantled.

With its arsenal, the United States threatens many opponents, not only Russia.

For example, the same North Korea and Iran. However, according to many experts, it is outdated and needs to be modernized.

Interestingly, in 2010, Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev signed the aforementioned strategic arms reduction treaty, also known as the New Start. But the same Obama stimulated the deployment of a missile defense system in the US and Europe, his administration launched the process of developing and deploying new ground-based launchers for long-range missiles.

The Trump administration has plans to continue the process of modernizing weapons, including nuclear,

Nuclear Europe

Among the countries of Europe, the only ones with a nuclear arsenal are France and the United Kingdom. The first one is armed with 300 nuclear warheads. Most of them are equipped to launch from submarines. France has four of them. A small amount - for air launch, from strategic bombers.

The British have 120 strategic warheads. Of these, 40 are deployed at sea on four submarines. This is, in fact, the country's only type of nuclear weapon - it has neither ground nor air forces armed with nuclear warheads.

In addition, there are 215 warheads in the UK that are stored at bases but not deployed.

Secret China

Since Beijing has never made public information about its nuclear arsenal, it can only be judged approximately. In June 2016, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists suggested that overall, China has 260 nuclear warheads. Also available information indicates that it increases their number.

China also has all three of the main means of delivering nuclear weapons - land-based installations, nuclear submarines and strategic bombers.

One of China's latest intercontinental ballistic missiles, Dongfeng-41 (DF41), was located near the border with Russia in January 2017. But in addition to its difficult relationship with Moscow, Beijing also has tense relations with neighboring India.

There is also an unconfirmed theory that China is helping North Korea develop its nuclear program.

sworn neighbors

India and Pakistan, unlike the previous five countries, develop their nuclear program outside the framework of the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. At the same time, both countries have a long-standing enmity, regularly threaten each other with the use of force, and armed incidents regularly occur on the Indo-Pakistani border.

But in addition, they also have other conflict relations. For India it is China, and for Pakistan it is Israel.

Both countries do not hide the fact that they have a nuclear program, but their details are not publicly disclosed.

India is believed to have between 100 and 120 nuclear warheads in service. The country is actively developing its arsenal. One of the latest achievements was the successful testing of the Agni-5 and Agni-6 intercontinental missiles, which are capable of delivering a warhead to a distance of 5,000-6,000 km.

At the end of 2016, India took delivery of its first nuclear submarine, the Arihant. It also plans to buy 36 Rafale combat aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons from France by 2019. The country currently has several older aircraft for this purpose - the French Mirage, the Anglo-French SEPECAT Jaguar and the Russian Su-30.

Pakistan is armed with 110 to 130 nuclear warheads. The country began to develop a nuclear program after India conducted the first test of a nuclear weapon in 1974. She is also in the process of expanding her arsenal.

At present, Pakistan's nuclear missiles are short and medium range. There are rumors that he is developing the Taimur intercontinental missile with a range of 7,000 km. The country also intends to build its own nuclear submarine. And the Mirage and F16 planes that Pakistan has are rumored to have been modified to carry nuclear weapons.

Israel's Deliberate Ambiguity

SIPRI, FAS and other organizations that monitor the development of nuclear weapons in the world claim that Israel has 80 nuclear warheads in service. In addition, it has stockpiles of fissile material to make another 200 warheads.

Israel, like India and Pakistan, has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, thus retaining the right to develop it. But unlike India and Pakistan, he has never announced his nuclear program and pursues a so-called policy of deliberate ambiguity in this matter.

In practice, this means that Israel never confirms or refutes the assumption that it has nuclear weapons.

It is believed that Israel developed nuclear warheads in a secret underground factory located in the middle of the desert. It is also assumed to possess all three of the main delivery vehicles: ground launchers, submarines, and combat aircraft.

Israel is understandable. It is surrounded on all sides by hostile states that do not hide their desire to "throw Israel into the sea." However, the policy of ambiguity is often criticized by those who see it as a manifestation of double standards.

Iran, which also tried to develop a nuclear program, was severely punished for this. Israel has not experienced any sanctions.

Kim Jong-un (second from right) keeps North Korea's nuclear missile program under personal control. Reuters photo

The launch on August 29 of a North Korean missile (its trajectory passed over Japan over Cape Erimo in Hokkaido), which fell into the Pacific Ocean and, according to official Japanese information, flew about 2,700 km at a maximum altitude of 550 km, added practically no new information on the development of the DPRK missile program . Except that the flight of the Hwaseong-type rocket was successful. This may create the impression that the missile has a chance to pass the stages of flight tests and be accepted into service. However, the ballistic missile flight test programs used in developed countries, in which it is necessary to ensure a significant number of successful launches in the final stages, are not related to North Korean practice. Especially in a crisis situation, when you need to quickly demonstrate your formidable potential with indescribable delight.

At the last launch, attention was drawn to the controversial statement of the Prime Minister of Japan, which says that, on the one hand, this is a clear threat to the country, on the other hand, the flight of the rocket did not pose a threat, so no special measures were taken. These measures meant most likely the use of the Aegis missile defense system on Japanese destroyers. It seems that one of the reasons for the non-use of missile defense may be the low probability of interception, even if several missiles were launched. In this case, failure would lead Kim Jong-un even more delighted.

Another North Korean underground nuclear test can be regarded as yet another desperate provocative challenge by Pyongyang, primarily to Washington, in order to force direct contacts.

ROCKET PROGRAMS

The history of the development of the DPRK missile program from operational-tactical to intercontinental systems dates back to 1980 after the Soviet Scud complex with a missile range of up to 300 km was received from Egypt. The modernization made it possible to increase the range of the missile to 500-600 km.

One can find evidence that up to 1,000 of these missiles were produced, a significant part of which was sold to Iran, Syria, Libya, and other countries. At present, according to the Military Balance, there are several dozen mobile launchers and about 200 Scud-type missiles of various modifications in the country.

The next stage is the Nodon-1 rocket with an engine consisting of a combination of four Scud rocket engines with a range of up to 1500 km. In Iran, they were under the Shehab-3 index, in Pakistan - Gauri-1. Next is the Musudan or Hwanson-10 medium-range missile with a range of 2,500 to 4,000 km according to various sources. The first successful test was carried out in 2016.

In May of this year, a missile of the Hwangson-12 type was successfully launched, to which the DPRK is credited with an intercontinental range, but experts, like the author, consider it to be a medium-range missile, taking into account the approximate mass and overall characteristics.

It should be noted here that the division into IRMs (medium-range missiles) and ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) is enshrined in the START treaties between the USA and the USSR (1000-5500 km - IRM, 5500 km and above - ICBMs), but in reality one and the same the rocket can easily move from one category to another during flight tests. To do this, it is enough to reduce or increase the throwable weight of the rocket within relatively small limits, and the aiming range will differ markedly from the accepted border in one direction or the other.

Finally, in July 2017, the North Koreans announced the launch of two Hwangseong-14 ICBMs with conflicting information about their flight paths. According to Russian data, the missile should be attributed to the RSD, according to the American - to the ICBM, but this will be discussed below.

The scandal over the alleged use of liquid-propellant rocket engines of the RD-250 type in the Hwansong-14 deserves a separate assessment, devoid of political predilections. This Soviet engine was developed in the 60s. OKB-456 under the leadership of V.P. Glushko (now NPO Energomash named after Glushko) for the R-36 ICBM was also used in an orbital rocket. At the Yuzhmash plant (Ukraine), the production of RD-250 engines and their modifications was organized. Yuzhmash produced all heavy missiles for the Strategic Missile Forces equipped with RD-250, RD-251, RD-252 engines.

The New York Times article “North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Success Linked to Ukrainian Plant, Experts Say” is based on an assumption by Mike Elleman, an employee of the American International Institute for Strategic Studies, that the Hwangseong-14 rocket uses an RD-250 type engine. , which got through unknown ways from Ukraine to the DPRK. There are some pictures of the engine next to Kim Jong-un, from which it cannot be argued that this is an RD-250. This engine is a two-chamber design, and one chamber is visible in the picture of the rocket.

This whole story, based only on Elleman's hypothesis, deserves additional analysis. So far, it is impossible to imagine such an engine getting into the DPRK under the auspices of the authorities, if only because Ukraine complies with the requirements of the “Missile Technology Spread Control Regime”. The channels of any black market are also unlikely to be able to "digest" such a huge aggregate. The reality may be the illegal receipt by North Korean engineers of design, technological and production documentation from Energomash or Yuzhmash specialists, as well as participation in the development of recruited specialists from these organizations.

A significant place in the rocket program is given to the development of carriers for launching satellites. Back in 1998, the DPRK announced the launch of a three-stage launch vehicle "Taepodong-1" with the satellite "Kwangmyeongsong-1", but the satellite was not put into orbit due to the failure of the engine of the last stage. In 2006, the Taephodong-2 rocket was launched, which is considered an ICBM or launch vehicle, although the design differences may be minimal. According to reports, it exploded in the 42nd second of flight. The next launch of such a rocket - in 2009 with the Kwangmyeonsong-2 satellite was also an emergency. And only at the end of 2012 was it possible to launch the Gwangmyeonsong-3 satellite into low orbit with this rocket.

With regard to the creation of North Korean ballistic missiles for submarines (SLBMs), the visible beginning of this very rapid process was reportedly recorded in October 2014 by a dummy launch of a KN-11 missile from a ground stand, in May 2015 by a dummy launch from under water layout most likely from a submersible platform. Similar tests were continued in the same year. According to widespread information, in August 2016, the KN-11 SLBM was launched from a Sinp'o-type diesel-electric submarine (apparently, an experimental one, with one tube - a launcher). It is reported that six more submarines of this type with two or three launchers are under construction, and that the KN-11 SLBM is adapted for launching from mobile ground launchers.

It must be taken into account that there is a lot of contradictory and little reliable information on the KN-11 missile. So, for example, it is claimed that it was developed on the basis of the Soviet R-27 SLBM, which cannot be, because the R-27 is a single-stage liquid fuel rocket, while the KN-11 is a two-stage solid fuel rocket (!) . Many reports about North Korean missiles are saturated with such absurd reports. Most likely, the intelligence agencies of Russia and the United States have more accurate information about the characteristics of missiles, submarines, launchers and other features of the DPRK program, but in this case, open information is used. Of course, experts can distinguish liquid-propellant and solid-propellant rocket torches in the video, but there is no certainty that the video refers to the rocket that is being reported.

Regardless of the degree of borrowing of foreign technologies, today it can be argued that North Korea has made significant progress in rocket science, as a result of which the country is able to receive in the near future an almost complete range of missiles of various types, from operational tactical to intercontinental. A number of achievements can amaze the imagination. For example, the development of large-sized solid rocket engines. This requires not only modern formulations of solid fuel, but also large-scale production of fuel and its filling into the rocket body. In open sources, including satellite images, there is no information about such plants. Similar surprise was caused at one time by the appearance in Iran of a two-stage solid-propellant medium-range ballistic missile "Sejil" and "Sejil-2".

Of course, the degree of development, that is, the reliability of many missiles, not only long-range, on-board and ground control systems, launchers, remains at a low level, as evidenced, for example, by three recent emergency launches of missiles that have already been put into service. And this poses an additional threat when launching North Korean missiles, since it is not known whether local specialists are able to reliably control flights with failures that lead to significant changes in trajectories, whether there are liquidation or self-destruction systems during emergency launches, whether there are systems to prevent unauthorized launches, etc.

An extremely important uncertainty exists regarding the possibility of equipping North Korean missiles with nuclear warheads. On the one hand, there is information that the DPRK already has either 8 or 10-12 warheads for installation on ballistic missiles, on the other hand, that they cannot yet be used in missiles, but only in aerial bombs. However, it must be taken into account that even Scud and Nodon-1 missiles, like the subsequent ones, are capable of carrying a payload of about 1000 kg. The entire relatively early history of the creation in nuclear states of nuclear warheads using weapons-grade uranium or plutonium convincingly confirms the possibility of creating warheads within this mass. In such conditions of uncertainty, it is quite natural to count on the worst option, especially given the constant aggravation of the military-political situation in the region.

ON TASKS FOR RUSSIA

The proposed article does not discuss the entire set of political and diplomatic measures of influence on the part of Russia and other states on the leadership of the DPRK, since analysis in this area is best done by professional political scientists. It can only be noted that, in the author’s opinion, without reducing the sanctions pressure in accordance with the unanimously adopted UN Security Council resolutions No. 2270 and 2321 and the unilateral US sanctions, as well as those that will be adopted after the nuclear test on the beginning of consultations between influential American and North Korean representatives on reducing tensions on the basis of actions acceptable to the parties in the early stages. True, sanctions can be effective only if they are strictly implemented by all states. In this regard, there is a lot of information that China, which accounts for up to 80% of trade with the DPRK, for various reasons does not put pressure on Pyongyang, including because of dissatisfaction with the deployment of THAAD missile defense systems in South Korea.

In the field of military-technical policy, in the current situation in the foreseeable future, it would be advisable for Russia to focus on two areas: firstly, to provide, with the help of national technical means of control (NTSC), maximum information on the state of development, production and test base of missile systems of the DPRK and on the processes of flight tests. Secondly, on the development of missile defense systems capable of intercepting missiles and warheads during single and group launches.

In the first direction, it can be assumed that the task of monitoring the territory of the DPRK in order to obtain data on the missile infrastructure is performed by domestic space systems. However, there is no confidence in the reliable control of launches and parameters of the flight trajectories of missiles of various types. Currently, there is no necessary composition of the space echelon of the missile attack warning system (SPRN). From ground-based early warning missile stations, flights of North Korean missiles could apparently be monitored and measured trajectory parameters mainly by the Voronezh-DM radar in the Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Voronezh-DM radar near the town of Zeya. The first, as promised, should take up combat duty by the end of 2017, the second, according to Spetsstroy, should complete construction and installation work in 2017.

Perhaps this can explain the large discrepancies in the values ​​of the recorded parameters of the trajectories by Russian, North Korean and Japanese means during the launch of the Hwansong-14 missiles. So, for example, on July 4, 2017, the first launch of this missile was carried out in the DPRK, which, according to North Korean data close to Japanese, reached an altitude of 2802 km and flew 933 km in 39 minutes. The Russian Ministry of Defense presented completely different data: height - 535 km, range - 510 km. Similar sharp discrepancies occurred during the second launch on July 28, 2017. The Russian data is accompanied by reassuring conclusions about the lack of intercontinental range capabilities of North Korean missiles launched. Obviously, Voronezh-DM in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, and even more so Voronezh-DM from Zeya, could not yet receive the necessary data, and there is no information about other Russian trajectory measurement systems used. The Russian Ministry of Defense does not explain the significant differences in the results presented. It cannot be ruled out that Moscow would like not to increase the sanctions pressure on Pyongyang in the hope of diplomatic methods of reaching a compromise when lifting part of the sanctions. But, as historical experience convincingly shows, any attempts to appease a dictator can lead to catastrophic consequences.

The second direction, as noted above, is the development of an effective missile defense system. Cheerful statements by responsible representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the defense industry that the S-400 complex is already capable of intercepting medium-range missiles, and the S-500 will soon be able to intercept even intercontinental missiles, should not mislead anyone. There is no information that the S-400 or S-500 complexes with interceptor missiles to intercept warheads of medium-range missiles were field tested. Moreover, such tests require target missiles of the medium-range missile class, the development of which is prohibited by the INF Treaty. In this regard, the claims against the United States, which tested its missile defense system with such targets, are justified and require clarification.

There is also no information about the fact that we could use the Topol-E ICBM as a target, which, due to the cut-off of the thrust of sustainer engines, is able to simulate the trajectory and speed characteristics of medium-range missiles.

To get an idea of ​​the possible timing of the completion of full-scale testing of the S-400 and S-500 complexes with the interception of warheads of medium-range missiles, one should take into account the experience of the United States, which conducted such tests for 15-20 years. For example, the first test tests of GBI strategic anti-missiles began in 1997; since 1999, 17 full-scale tests have been carried out to intercept simulators of medium-range missile warheads, of which only 9 were successful. From 2006 to the present, 10 tests have been conducted to intercept strategic ballistic targets, of which only 4 have been successful. And it would be naive to count on the fact that it will not take us many years to bring our missile defense system to a working state.

However, all work to ensure reliable protection of critical facilities on Russian territory from single and group missile attacks with any type of combat equipment must be carried out systematically and without excessive optimism. This is connected both with the domestic missile defense system and with the completion of the deployment of the unified space system (UNS), which provides global control over the launches of most types of missiles, with the putting on combat duty of all ground-based early warning radars.

On March 28, 2013, the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO RAS) hosted an international conference on the topic: "Restoration of the nuclear non-proliferation regime on the Korean Peninsula." It was attended by Russian and foreign scientists and experts in the field of international security and international relations, including expert of the Association of Military Political Scientists Alexander Perendzhiev.

Opening the scientific forum, Aleksey Arbatov, head of the Center for International Security of the IMEMO RAS, drew the attention of its participants to the fact that the current political tension on the Korean Peninsula and the opening of the scientific forum are coincidences.

"We didn't agree!" - joked Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.G. Arbatov. Presentations were made by Vasily Mikheev, Deputy Director of IMEMO RAS, Viktor Esin, Leading Researcher at the Institute for the USA and Canadian Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Vladimir Novikov, Deputy Head of the Center for Defense Research at the RISS.

At the beginning of his report, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.V. Mikheev noted that the key to understanding the relationship between the domestic and foreign policies of the DPRK leadership is the survival of the regime. The political and economic reforms carried out in Russia and China are perceived by the political elite of North Korea as a threat to its existence. Hence, Pyongyang's play on the contradictions between various world centers, including the ASEAN states. According to V.V. Mikheev, North Korea does not have the technical capabilities to build a nuclear bomb. At the same time, it should be noted that in this case the positions of the United States, China and Russia completely coincide - a nuclear North Korea is unacceptable to anyone!

However, there is an ambiguity in the Chinese position on this issue. On the one hand, the Chinese say that the DPRK is our brothers and must be protected. On the other hand, Beijing believes that North Korea is a kind of buffer between China and the United States. In addition, there is also an opinion in the Celestial Empire that a feudal communist regime has been established in the DPRK, which does not want to change. At present, the Chinese have equipped the border with North Korea, installed surveillance cameras there. As a result, the number of Korean defectors has significantly decreased, almost to zero. Beijing establishes tight control over North Korean assets in China. It is assumed that there are 1 billion dollars of North Korean deposits on Chinese territory.

The leadership of South Korea, and along with it many politicians in the world, believes that the path to ending the North Korean nuclear program is not through negotiations. For Pyongyang, nuclear weapons are the main export commodity. Therefore, in Seoul and in some other capitals, they believe that the only way to solve the North Korean problem is through regime change. But such a policy causes aggressiveness on the part of Pyongyang. Therefore, V.V. Mikheev, either you need to act tough against the DPRK, or follow the path of involving North Korea in international projects.

Why did the DPRK conduct nuclear tests again recently? On the foreign policy side, Kim Jong-un has shown the world that he does not intend to change his father's regime. But still, domestic political aspects influenced the conduct of regular nuclear tests. The head of state decided to show his determination and counteract the emerging opinion in North Korean society that he was "not the right leader." That is, measures are being taken by Kim Jong-un to legitimize his regime in the eyes of the population and express the interests of other members of the polyelite who cling to the old.

Why is North Korea not afraid to conduct nuclear tests? First, Pyongyang believes that the confrontation between Russia and the US, between the US and China, will be eternal. Secondly, sanctions from Washington are not so “painful”. Sanctions from China could become the most sensitive, but Beijing has not yet threatened Pyongyang with such actions. The European Union is also unable to put pressure on the DPRK, and is interested in North Korean assets. According to V.V. Mikheev, the command and control system of North Korea has collapsed and is currently incapacitated. North Korea "lives" at the expense of the "gray" and "black" economy. Demand for North Korean products is provided by those who have access to the West - part of the political elite, the highest ranks of the army, representatives of the highest stratum of the bureaucracy.

In the DPRK, there is a "wild" stratification of society: 10-15% live very well, but 30% are below the poverty line, there are even cases of cannibalism. From the point of view of the moral and psychological climate in North Korea, there is complete decomposition. "Golden" youth - future representatives of the political elite are addicted to foreign cigarettes, alcohol, drugs. The internal political situation in the DPRK is unstable. Kim Jong-un is not a leader, like his father and grandfather, but a "roof" under which several groups are fighting for the distribution of resources. Trying to find a way out of the current situation both around North Korea and within it, V.V. Mikheev proposes to strengthen the China-South Korea tie when influencing Pyongyang, to increase the effectiveness of coordination of the actions of the five member states on North Korea, and to organize pressure on the leadership of the DPRK (“Pyongyang should be scared”). In the course of answering questions, Vasily Mikheev explained that there are prerequisites for regime change in the DPRK. However, it is not yet clear what events will explode the situation. It is quite probable that military actions could become such events. But the leaders of the DPRK are unlikely to agree to this. In addition, North Korea has a mutual assistance agreement with China, although Beijing does not benefit from such a state of the political regime in Pyongyang. After all, next, in fact, the territory of an unstable state!

But which of the states can benefit from such a state? Perhaps India, which, illegally, has nuclear weapons and is in a confrontation with China!

Retired Colonel General V.I. Yesin noted that Pyongyang "has something in its bosom." The latest nuclear test showed that North Korea is committed to developing a "compact nuclear weapon." It becomes obvious that the DPRK's renunciation of nuclear weapons is out of the question! In his report, military expert V.I. Yesin reminded the audience about the history of the formation of the nuclear program and the development of missile production in the DPRK, the role of the PRC and the USSR in these processes. In addition, the former chief of the main headquarters of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Soviet Union familiarized the audience with the possible equipping of the modern North Korean army with nuclear weapons, its combat capabilities, and the tactical and technical characteristics of the DPRK's weapons with nuclear warheads.

According to V.I. Yesin, North Korea is not yet able to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile in the near future. However, the development of such a missile can be significantly accelerated with the help of Iranian specialists.

Candidate of Economic Sciences V.E. Novikov continued the topic of cooperation between the DPRK and Iran in the development of a nuclear program and missile technologies, as well as the possible scientific potential of North Korea. Thus, according to the speaker, from 600 to 800 North Korean specialists were trained abroad, including China, Japan, and the USSR. The nuclear program of the DPRK is carefully classified. The North Koreans privately demonstrated 2,000 centrifuges to a Western correspondent, which indicates the seriousness of Pyongyang's intentions to possess nuclear weapons.

In the course of the discussion that unfolded, the conference participants not only analyzed the problems inside the DPRK, its nuclear potential, the role of other states and international organizations in influencing the North Korean nuclear problem, but also ways to solve it. Despite the difficulty of the search, the majority on the scientific form liked the proposal to create a union state a la "Russia-Belarus" - China-DPRK, in order to mitigate the regime in Pyongyang.

Alexander Perendzhiev, a spokesman for the Russia's Weapons news agency, drew the attention of the audience to the fact that the problem in the end may not be WHEN the regime change in Pyongyang will occur, but HOW it will occur. Recently it became known about the cases of mass desertion of North Korean soldiers in the Chinese army. At the same time, representatives of various political groups are fighting for power around Kim Jong-un, but they are all dressed in military uniforms! In addition, according to A.N. Perendzhieva, we must say not only that the DPRK is using the contradictions between the leading states of the world, but that world leaders are also playing the “North Korean card”. Thus, the United States, deploying a missile defense system in Asia, declares that it is acting against the nuclear threat from the DPRK. However, elements of the American missile defense system in the Asian part can also be used against China! And the Chinese leadership is aware of this danger! Therefore, most likely, the North Korean nuclear problem can only be solved in a comprehensive manner, changing the entire existing system of international security and international relations.