Recent North Korean nuclear activity highlights need for better intelligence

摘要

North Korea's sixth nuclear test underlines the need for accurate intelligence about its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. The test took place at 1200 local time on 3 September, and was detected by global seismographic monitoring stations. Pyongyang claimed in an official statement that the device was a "hydrogen bomb for [an intercontinental ballistic missile] ICBM". Images from North Korean state media before the test was detected showed a peanut-shaped device suggestive of a two-stage 'boosted fission' weapon, or a pure hydrogen (thermonuclear) bomb. The timely release of these images indicated North Korea's strategic programme of deception and disinformation, intended to influence threat perceptions of its nascent nuclear deterrent.