Over the past few years, North Korea has focused on advancements in short-range tactical systems, including maneuverable short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, large-caliber rockets and hypersonic glide vehicles. While some of these systems could technically carry nuclear warheads, they appear to be conventional systems, intended to counter U.S. and South Korean anti-missile systems and provide Pyongyang with tactical strike capability in South Korea. North Korea still retains its arsenal of intermediate- and long-range nuclear weapons, which the country considers a deterrent against U.S. attack. But these short-range tactical systems provide Pyongyang more ways to manage its political and security needs by enabling North Korea to increase pressure on adversaries in ways far less likely to trigger a full-scale war....
