Raising further concerns about that is the fact that North Korean ballistic missiles could be armed with nuclear warheads. It is a known fact that any state that aspires to possess nuclear weapons also aspires to develop a sea-based nuclear deterrent capability in order to enhance counterstrike or second-strike ability. Thus Pyongyang’s desire to acquire a sea-based nuclear deterrent is not surprising. First, there would be immense pressure on its own command and control system which definitely is not experienced enough to handle sea-based nuclear deterrence. Hence, a sea-based nuclear deterrent capable of reaching targets in the United States or capable of hitting U.S. forward bases also would enhance the deterrent capability of North Korea’s land-based ballistic missiles.