The South Korean military is doubtful about North Korea’s claim that it has become a "complete" nuclear state with its latest missile launch.

Military officials said that such a declaration can only be made if two key technologies needed to fly a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile have been secured --- atmospheric reentry technology and technology to miniaturize nuclear warheads. It remains uncertain whether the North has indeed advanced those skills. 

One military expert suspected the North only sought a propaganda effect with the declaration.

Earlier in the day, a North Korean state broadcaster claimed the successful launch of what the regime called a Hwasong-15 ICBM,  announcing it as “the historical completion of national nuclear weapons capability.” 

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