Key facts
- Kim Jong Un inspected a newly operational nuclear material production facility.
- North Korean state media reported that production capacity for nuclear material has more than doubled.
- Kim called for an "exponential" expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal.
- He cited worsening security threats and long-term confrontation with hostile forces as reasons for expansion.
- A consultative meeting was held to bolster nuclear forces and accelerate expansion.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a newly operational nuclear material production facility and urged an "exponential" expansion of the country's atomic arsenal, according to state media KCNA. Kim stated that the production capacity for weapons-grade nuclear material has more than doubled over the past five years. He instructed officials to further increase output to meet long-term strategic goals, citing worsening security threats and confrontation with hostile forces. During the visit, Kim was briefed on new production processes and reviewed current output targets and future plans. KCNA reported that a consultative meeting was held to bolster nuclear forces, where Kim outlined guidelines for accelerating the qualitative and quantitative expansion of the nuclear arsenal, describing it as a "transformative milestone."