North Korea Doubles Weapons Testing Pace Since 2024
North Korea has more than doubled its weapons testing rate compared to Donald Trump's first term, conducting over 20 launches this year.
The Government of North Korea has accelerated its weapons testing pace to more than double the rate recorded during the first term of President Donald Trump. As of November 8, 2026, the country has conducted over 20 launch events this year, including anti-aircraft systems and missiles capable of striking the United States and its allies.
Data from the Center for Strategic and International Studies shows that launches since the start of Trump's second term have already surpassed the 17 recorded by the same point in his first term. This current level of activity represents the second highest testing volume since 2022.
The 2022 surge was characterized by a spike in testing that coincided with North Korea providing weapons for Russia's war against Ukraine. The current trajectory indicates a sustained increase in military capabilities and provocative testing cycles.
