North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering the nation’s nuclear arsenal during an inspection of a new nuclear facility.
The state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on Thursday that Kim personally oversaw a newly operational nuclear material production plant on Wednesday. The leader reportedly examined advanced production processes and evaluated operational metrics and future production targets.
Intelligence analysts believe the unveiled facility is likely a uranium enrichment site. Similar installations were previously showcased by North Korea in September 2024 and January 2025.
During this visit, Kim convened a critical meeting to discuss nuclear capability enhancement and made significant decisions regarding nuclear weapons production, according to the newspaper.
Kim declared that today, it has updated crucial figures in our nuclear program and addressed several vital issues. It’s made highly responsible and momentous decisions based on a comprehensive assessment of tactical and strategic requirements for building the nuclear deterrent.
He further asserted that it’s established the sequence and safeguards for implementing the extensive plans to exponentially strengthen the national nuclear forces. This marks an unprecedented shift and achievement, setting a historic milestone in advancing the nuclear capabilities.
The newspaper highlighted Kim’s high praise for the precise execution of directives issued during recent plenary sessions of the party’s Central Committee concerning nuclear material production.
Kim lauded nuclear experts for resolving critical challenges in achieving self-reliance in nuclear material production. He noted that this has enhanced the efficiency of all production process components and solidified the foundation for weapon-grade nuclear material production.
The leader emphasized that over the past five years of bolstering our nuclear capabilities, the capacity to produce weapon-grade nuclear materials has more than doubled. The party’s nuclear enhancement strategy is being meticulously implemented, leveraging the cutting-edge technological prowess of the nuclear research teams.
Kim referenced the decision to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, made during the 9th Workers’ Party Congress in February. He stressed that expanding and fortifying the national nuclear forces, which are pivotal to our war deterrence and combat strategies, remains the unwavering political and military stance and a solemn duty.
Notably, photos released by Rodong Sinmun revealed the presence of Kang Kyung-ho, deputy director of the Nuclear Weapons Research Institute. Kang previously briefed international media during the Punggye-ri nuclear test site demolition in May 2018. The institute is believed to be a nuclear warhead development arm under the Defense Science Institute.
Interestingly, Hong Seung-moo, the first deputy of the party’s Munitions Industry Department, who was prominent in previous nuclear facility unveilings in 2024 and 2025, was absent from this report. Hong, a key figure in North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, was also omitted from the recent party Central Committee leadership roster, suggesting a generational shift in nuclear production leadership.
Rodong Sinmun deliberately obscured the faces of several officials accompanying Kim, likely to prevent external analysis of the new facility’s location, personnel, and organizational structure. North Korea’s nuclear and missile facilities are often identified through satellite imagery, public footage, and analysis of key personnel.
Intelligence agencies and experts have identified key uranium enrichment facilities in North Pyongan Province, including Yongbyon, Gangseon in Nampo, and Kusong. Analysts speculate that the newly unveiled factory is likely situated near these established enrichment sites.
