SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea claims it now has the technology to make miniaturized nuclear warheads, according to reports.

South Korea’s Yonhap News reported Wednesday that the North’s National Defense Commission said it would defend the communist nation with nuclear weapons small enough to be mounted on missiles. The NDC statement was posted by the North’s Korean Central News Agency.

North Korea said May 9 that it had successfully test-fired a ballistic missile underwater. If true, SLBM capability could dangerously extend the reach of Pyongyang’s weaponry.

rowland.ashley@stripes.com