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N. Korea has nuke missiles -- report

TOKYO, Sept 23 (KUNA) -- North Korea is developing new missiles capable of carrying tactical nuclear warheads, the Seoul-based newspaper reported Tuesday, citing South Korean intelligence authorities.
The North has performed a series of test-firings of new short-range missiles since August 14, the JoongAng Ilbo said.
"We have come to the conclusion that the rockets test-fired three times since last month are new missiles based on their speeds and altitudes," a senior South Korean government official was quoted as saying.
"Based on our analysis and other intelligence, we concluded that they are intended to carry tactical nuclear weapons," the official said. It was the first time the South Korean government detected Pyongyang developing a tactical nuclear missile, according to the daily.
Designated as KN-10, the new ground-to-ground missiles are believed to be designed to carry nuclear payloads. As opposed to strategic nuclear weapons that are designed to be used to destroy large targets such as cities and factories, tactical nuclear weapons are intended to be used on a battlefield. The new missiles have a range of about 200 kilometers, which is similar to their existing 300-milimeter-caliber multiple rocket launcher systems, the newspaper said. The 300-milimeter artillery rockets are already capable of hitting major military installations in South Korea, including an area where the US military's main base will be relocated in 2016.
KN-10 missiles are modified versions of the Soviet Union's SS-21 ground-to-ground missiles, and the South will fall into the nuclear range of the North if it manages to succeed in the miniaturization of nuclear weapons, the report said. The key for the North to complete the new missile program is the miniaturization of nuclear weapons. The US assessed that the North possesses plutonium warheads and has the technology capable of building uranium warheads. (end) mk.gta