A Gauge of Nuclear Weapons Capabilities

CONCERNS about emerging nuclear-weapons capabilities in Central and Eastern Asia center on: INDIA

* Has essentials for 75 to 100 atomic bombs that could be deployed quickly.

* Has conducted one nuclear test, in 1974.

* Reportedly had greatly expanded nuclear-weapons production capability in recent years.

* Tested nuclear-capable short-range missile five times since 1989; tested intermediate-range missile (1,500 miles) in 1989.

* Unwilling to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). PAKISTAN

* In February 1992, the foreign secretary said Pakistan had components for the cores of at least one nuclear weapon but that it had "permanently frozen" production of such components and of weapons-grade nuclear material.

* Probably has material, and possibly all components, for 15 to 20 undeclared atomic bombs that could be deployed quickly.

* Apparently obtained material for first atomic weapon in 1986.

* US aid cut off in 1990.

* No nuclear tests, but believed to have received nuclear-weapon design from China.

* Attempting to develop "boosted" nuclear weapons.

* Tested nuclear capable short-range missile in 1989; received similar system from China in 1991.

* Not party to NPT, but has stated it is willing to join if India does. NORTH KOREA

* Has built sizable research reactor and is building plutonium plant that could soon allow nuclear-weapons production; second larger reactor under construction.

* Party to NPT (1985) but above plants not under International Atomic Energy Agency inspections since country had refused to sign safeguards agreement with IAEA.

* December, North-South Korea pact for nuclear-weapon-free zone.

* Signed IAEA safeguards agreement in January 1992, but inspections to be applied only after country ratifies agreement.