North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected a newly-inaugurated nuclear materials production factory, state media reported on Wednesday. During the visit, he urged workers to accelerate the production of weapons-grade nuclear material to bolster the country's arsenal.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Munitions Industry and the Nuclear Weapons Research Institute. He reviewed production lines and mingled with staff, expressing satisfaction with the facility's output.
Kim stated that the production capacity of weapons-grade nuclear material has more than doubled over the past five years. He called for further increases, announcing a plan to 'exponentially strengthen the national nuclear force' as a deterrent against what he termed 'the most vicious adversaries.'
The tour comes weeks after North Korea launched a mystery projectile into the Yellow Sea on May 26, following a test of multiple short-range missiles in April. South Korean military officials confirmed the launches, which are part of a series of weapons tests this year.
Kim emphasized that expanding the nuclear arsenal is essential for national security and development, framing it as a necessary response to long-term confrontation with hostile forces.
