North Korea intends to complete the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) by the end of this year, according to official sources. Although criticized by many nations, North Korea’s effort to improve its nuclear capabilities continue without a break. Former minister at the North Korean Embassy in London, Thae Yong-ho said as North Korea takes into account political transitions in South Korea and the U.S., the development of miniaturized nuclear weapons that can fit atop an intercontinental missile came into prominence.Â
An F-15EX Eagle II assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing, out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., conducts aerial refueling operations above Northern California, May 14, 2021. The aircraft participated in exercise Northern Edge 21 in Alaska earlier this May. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)