Analysis-Inter-Korean missile race may leave North Korea with tactical nuclear weapons

FILE PHOTO: A tactical surface-to-surface missile developed by South Korea's Hanwha is displayed at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition in South Korea, October 15, 2019. REUTERS/Josh Smith

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea has surged ahead during recent years in an inter-Korean arms race that has led to a proliferation of short-range missiles on the peninsula and left Pyongyang closer than ever to deploying tactical nuclear weapons.

North Korea's years-long quest to develop precision missiles capable of evading detection and striking targets in South Korea has accelerated in the wake of the country's 2018 self-imposed moratorium on testing its larger intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).