South Korea estimates North Korea nuclear arsenal

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told lawmakers on August 20, 2026, that North Korea is estimated to possess between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads, a figure significantly higher than U.S. President Donald Trump's recent assertion of 57. Ahn noted the estimate came from private research organizations and could not be officially confirmed by the military. He reiterated that South Korea does not recognize North Korea as a nuclear-armed state and will continue to rely on the U.S. nuclear umbrella, ruling out developing its own nuclear weapons or accepting U.S. tactical nuclear weapons. The remarks came amid Trump's efforts to revive engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, including scaling back joint military drills. North Korea, through Kim Yo Jong, dismissed the reduced exercises as still provocative. Additionally, South Korea reported North Korean border fortifications and new weapons deployments, prompting Seoul to reinforce its own defenses.