North Korea Unveils Uranium Enrichment Facility, Vows to Expand Nuclear Arsenal
North Korea has revealed a secretive facility for producing weapons-grade uranium Friday, with leader Kim Jong Un visiting the site and calling for significantly increasing the country’s nuclear weapons arsenal, The Associated Press reports.
While the specific location of the facility remains unclear, it is the first time North Korea has publicly disclosed a uranium enrichment facility since showcasing one at the Yongbyon nuclear complex to American scholars in 2010.
During his visit, Kim expressed his satisfaction with the “wonderful technical force” of North Korea’s nuclear program, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Images released by state media showed Kim being briefed by scientists near rows of tall gray tubes, indicating an active uranium enrichment process.
Kim reportedly stressed the need to bolster the number of centrifuges at the facility to “exponentially increase” the country’s nuclear arsenal. He also ordered officials to accelerate the deployment of a new type of centrifuge, which is nearing completion.
This revelation has drawn strong condemnation from South Korea, which has labeled North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons as a “serious threat to international peace” and a violation of UN sanctions.
Analysts believe the facility could produce around 44 to 55 pounds of highly enriched uranium per year, enough for a single nuclear weapon. Experts estimate that North Korea may already possess up to 60 nuclear weapons, with the potential to add between six and eighteen more annually.
Since 2022, North Korea has significantly increased its weapons testing activities, including numerous ballistic missile launches. Some analysts suggest that North Korea might conduct nuclear test explosions or long-range missile tests before the US presidential election in November, potentially aiming to influence the outcome and strengthen its position in future negotiations.
