THE US will not be able to stop a North Korean nuke, an official has claimed.

John F. Tierney, executive director of the Centre for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, believes the US may not currently have the capability to stop Kim Jong-un's deadly missiles.

Donald Trump successfully tested a system aimed at intercepting nukes from North Korea in the Californian desert this week.

But Tierney warned that, despite the success, the US is not bulletproof.

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Six tests have failed to destroy the target, including three of the last five tries

"Of the 10 tests of the system since 2004, when the Bush administration prematurely declared it operational, six have failed to destroy the target, including three of the last five tries," he wrote in the New York Times.

"The timing and other details are provided in advance, information that no real enemy would provide. The weather and time of day are just right for an intercept.

"An adversary would use complex countermeasures, such as decoys, alongside the real missile to try to fool the defence system, but only simplistic versions of this trick have been included.

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"Under realistic testing conditions, the programs success rate would almost certainly be lower."

Kim has promised "weekly" tests in the face of US aggression and recently carried out North Korea's largest nuke test ever.

In response, Trump has despatched his "armada" led by the USS Carl Vinson to the peninsula.

Trump has also vowed to keep developing his nuclear missile defence programme.

But Tierney warned that a peaceful solution is the only way to end the North Korean crisis.

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"If lawmakers are serious about defending the homeland from rogue states like North Korea, they should prioritise diplomatic action," he added.

"Expanding the programme before it is proved to be effective under realistic conditions would mark the height of irresponsibility.

"The Missile Defence Agency might be celebrating now, but the latest test is at best a small step forward on a very long journey."

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North Korea WW3: US official claims defences 'can't stop Kim Jong un's nukes' - Daily Star