South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back says North Korea may conduct a test launch of its new intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-20 this year.
North Korea unveiled the weapon, calling it a new ICBM, at an October 10 military parade.
Ahn shared his view in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
He cited launch pad preparations and other moves as reasons he thinks Pyongyang may conduct the test.
Ahn said the North intends to reduce the weight of the missile's body compared to the conventional ICBM-class Hwasong-19, and make its warhead section heavier to carry multiple warheads.
But he said he thinks Hwasong-20 has yet to be mass produced and it's too early to say the missile is capable of carrying multiple warheads.
The defense chief also commented on the North's nuclear development.
He said Pyongyang is believed to be able to produce 10 to 20 nuclear warheads per year, while its technology keeps improving.
He also referred to the transfer of military technology from Russia to North Korea.
Ahn said he has not confirmed the transfer of core technologies, such as nuclear submarine reactors, while he believes general technologies may be making their way to the north.
The defense chief said he doesn't think Russia will transfer its core technologies to the North as their interests differ.

Quiz 1:
What was recently unveiled by North Korea during an October 10 military parade?
A. Hwasong-20 ICBM
B. Hwasong-19 ICBM
C. Nuclear submarine reactor
D. General technologies for military purposes

Quiz 2:
According to South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, what is the intended difference in design between the North's Hwasong-20 and conventional ICBMs?
A. The missile body will be heavier while the warhead section lighter
B. The missile body will be lighter while the warhead section heavier
C. There will be no change in the weight distribution of the missile
D. The North intends to produce fewer nuclear warheads with the Hwasong-20

Quiz 3:
How many nuclear warheads per year is Pyongyang believed to be capable of producing according to South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back?
A. 10 to 20
B. More than 20
C. Fewer than 10
D. It cannot be determined from the given information

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: A
Quiz 2: B
Quiz 3: A