PYONGYANG—In a rare disclosure, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has directed an increase in uranium enrichment centrifuges, signaling an expansion of the nation’s nuclear arsenal. This marks the first public acknowledgment of the facility dedicated to enhancing the country’s nuclear weapons for self-defense, as reported by state media on Friday.
According to the Philippines News Agency, during a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and a production base for weapon-grade nuclear materials, Kim Jong-un inspected the control room and the operation of production lines. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted him expressing satisfaction with the ongoing production of nuclear materials, though details regarding the location or date of the visit were not disclosed.
Kim emphasized the necessity to escalate the number of centrifuges, aligning with the Party’s strategy to fortify its nuclear armed forces significantly. “He went round the control room of the uranium enrichment base to learn about the overall operation of the production lines,” KCNA reported, indicating an active push towards increasing the nuclear stockpile.
Uranium enrichment involves processing uranium in centrifuges at high speeds to produce highly enriched uranium (HEU), a critical component for nuclear warheads. While North Korea has long been suspected of operating such facilities, this official acknowledgment unveils a clearer picture of its capabilities and intentions.
Intelligence agencies from South Korea and the United States have previously identified potential uranium enrichment sites within North Korea, including the Kangson nuclear complex near Pyongyang and the Yongbyon nuclear site. This latest revelation underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities in the region’s nuclear diplomacy and international security concerns.