North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently visited North Korea’s nuclear weapons institute and a facility for producing weapons-grade nuclear material. During his visit to the uranium enrichment plant, he stressed the need to strengthen the foundation for producing weapons-grade nuclear material.
The state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on Friday that Kim presented important tasks aimed at increasing weapons-grade nuclear material production while inspecting nuclear warheads and ongoing production efforts.
Kim toured the uranium enrichment facility’s control room during his visit and assessed the production process’s operational status. He expressed satisfaction upon learning that all system components, including centrifuges and various confinement and control devices, were developed using domestic technology. He remarked, “We are continuously ramping up the current production of nuclear materials.”
Kim stated, “It is encouraging to witness this,” but stressed the need to avoid complacency regarding their achievements. He called for an increase in the number of centrifuges, improvements in the separation capabilities of individual centrifuges, and the introduction of new centrifuge models ready for deployment. This, he said, would further strengthen the foundation for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials.
He also reviewed the assembly schedule for equipment at another construction site where capabilities for nuclear weapons production are being expanded. Kim praised the technological advancements in the nuclear sector and introduced a new “major strategic plan for building nuclear power,” encouraging nuclear scientists to implement the party’s decisions.
In his remarks, Kim highlighted that the nuclear threats from the U.S. and its allies, who regard his republic as an enemy, have become more overt and have crossed dangerous thresholds. ” He explained that North Korea is enhancing its nuclear capabilities in response to “specific threats” posed by the U.S.
He instructed them to accelerate and ensure progress in maintaining a thorough readiness posture for nuclear capabilities.
On that day, the newspaper reported that Kim outlined “significant tasks and directions” for producing nuclear materials necessary for the production of tactical nuclear weapons but did not provide specific details.
Hong Sung Mu, the first vice director of the Munitions Industry Department of the Workers’ Party and the head of North Korea’s nuclear development program, accompanied Kim during his public activities.