Kim Jong Un orders rapid expansion of North Korea's nuclear arsenal
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (photo: Getty Images)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a new nuclear materials production facility and called for further expansion of the country's nuclear capabilities, Bloomberg reports.
In photographs released by North Korea's state news agency KCNA, Kim Jong Un is seen inspecting a facility that appears to be a uranium enrichment plant.
Analysts suggest it may be a new facility within the Yongbyon complex.
Kim Jong Un said North Korea's capacity to produce military-grade nuclear materials has more than doubled over the past five years compared to previous levels.
The North Korean leader ordered further increases in production volumes to achieve long-term strategic goals.
He emphasized that this expansion is essential for building a powerful nuclear arsenal capable of countering the hostile policy of the United States and potential threats to the country's security.
Bloomberg analysts note that the statement comes amid heightened regional tensions. In recent months, North Korea has stepped up testing of various types of ballistic missiles and deepened military-technical cooperation with Russia, raising serious concerns in the West.
North Korea expands its nuclear arsenal
In April this year, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that North Korea had likely significantly expanded its nuclear weapons production capabilities in recent years.
Back in September last year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that North Korea would introduce a new policy aimed at simultaneously developing its nuclear forces and conventional armed forces.
North Korea's permanent mission to the United Nations also stated that the country's status as a nuclear state is irreversible.
In addition, North Korea continues to expand its nuclear arsenal at a rapid pace despite pressure from the UN. Its capabilities are sufficient to produce 20 warheads annually.
