Over the past two years, North Korea has moved from a fledgling nuclear program to possessing the technology to at least strike the US Pacific territory of Guam.
Most Western experts accept that North Korea is close to putting a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can reach the continental United States, but this has not been independently verified.
Here are 10 of the important steps highlighted by North Korea's state-owned media.
- January 6, 2016
After four years in power, Kim Jong Un said his country can produce a hydrogen bomb, the first step toward a nuclear weapon that could target the United States. The nation tests a device, but Western experts are not convinced it is a genuine hydrogen bomb.
- February 7, 2016
North Korea sends up a satellite. The United States calls this a disguised test of an engine powerful enough to launch an ICBM.
- March 9, 2016
North Korea claims it can miniaturise a nuclear device to fit onto a missile.
- March 15, 2016
North Korea said it successfully tested the nose cone of a missile that re-entered the earth's atmosphere after a long flight.
- May 6, 2016
After nearly 40 years, Kim hosts a congress of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, saying his country is a responsible nuclear state that will not use nuclear weapons first unless its sovereignty is threatened. He pledges to push forward with both nuclear armament and economic development.
- June 23, 2016
North Korea said it has successfully tested an intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM), with a range of 2000 to 3400 miles ( 3219 to 5472 km). Kim Jong Un said the country can now attack "Americans in the Pacific operation theatre", including the territory of Guam.
- September 9, 2016
North Korea conducts its fifth and largest nuclear test on the anniversary of the country's founding. It said it has mastered the ability to mount a warhead on a ballistic missile.
- April 15, 2017
North Korea reveals a new ICBM design, displaying the missiles at a military parade to mark the birthday of founding leader Kim Il Sung. Within three months, the missiles are tested.
- July 4, 2017
North Korea tests an ICBM for the first time, saying it can launch a missile that can reach the continental United States.
- August 8 2017
North Korea's army threatens to fire missiles towards Guam in an "enveloping fire". The message comes hours after President Donald Trump warns Pyongyang that it will be "met with fire and fury" if it does not stop threatening the United States.
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