North Korean leader Kim Jong Un salutes during a visit to the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces on the occasion of the new year, in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on January 10, 2016. REUTERS/KCNA
Reuters: North Korea overcomes poverty, sanctions with cut-price nukes
North Korea has developed a nuclear weapons program despite poverty and international sanctions, using home-grown technology and virtually free labor to cut costs, experts said.
South Korean government analysis has put North Korea's nuclear spending at $1.1 billion to $3.2 billion overall, although experts say it is impossible to make an accurate calculation given the secrecy surrounding the program, and estimates vary widely.
However, the weapons that North Korea has tested thus far are comparatively small and based mostly on less sophisticated fission, or atomic bomb, technology.
The isolated North's claim that its fourth and most recent test, conducted last week, was of a more advanced and powerful hydrogen bomb has been widely doubted, although experts said it is possible Pyongyang took the intermediate step of boosting an atomic bomb with hydrogen isotopes.
More News On North Korea's Nuclear Test
North Korea's Kim Jong-un tells scientists to build better nuclear weapons -- The Guardian/AP
Kim Jong Un calls for bigger bombs: ‘North Korea has every political and technical reason to test nuclear devices’ -- Bloomberg
North Korea's Kim boosts propaganda in praise of nuke test -- AP
North Korea calls U.S. 'stupid' for nuclear bomber exercise -- UPI
North Korea: US forces in South put on highest level of alert; allies discuss 'strategic assets' -- ABC News Australia
U.S. may send more strategic weapons to Korean peninsula: South Korea -- Reuters
China says 500 personnel measuring radiation along North Korea border -- Reuters
Whatever North Korea Tested, Its Nuclear Ambitions Remain Clear -- Sam Kim, Bloomberg