North Korea is now able to mount a nuclear warhead on a medium-range missile, putting targets within a range of 1,250 miles at risk, the South Korean government claims. A South Korean official on Tuesday said North Korea is now able to miniaturize a nuclear warhead to fit on a Rodong missile, the official told Reuters. The range of the missile includes all of South Korea, much of Japan, and parts of Russia and China. This includes several US military sites. “We believe they have the ability to mount a nuclear warhead on a Rodong,” the official said. “Whether they will fire it like that is a political decision.” The Pentagon on Tuesday said it has known they have the capability “but we have not seen them demonstrate it,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said, according to Reuters. North Korea has recently continued provocation, with multiple test launches of missiles that have prompted international condemnation.
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.