North Korea tests new torpedo, weapons launches at double Trump-era pace

· Security · North Korea

North Korea has test-fired a new type of torpedo and is eyeing early 2027 deployment, according to Yonhap. The test comes as North Korea's weapons launches in 2026 have topped 20 as of November 8, second only to 2022 and roughly twice the pace of Trump's first term. The uptick complicates any push for a new Trump-Kim summit; a former US official said Pyongyang's apparent demand to be recognised as a nuclear power could hinder such a meeting.

Why it matters：North Korea is escalating weapons testing even as Washington weighs new summit diplomacy, raising risks for allies and regional stability.

Key points

  • The new torpedo could be deployed as early as 2027.
  • There have been more than 20 launch events in 2026 as of November 8.
  • A former US official said nuclear-recognition demands could block a summit.

Sources (original reporting)

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