North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a uranium enrichment facility and asked for more advanced equipment to make nuclear bomb materials, according to state media KCNA on Friday.
During his visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and a plant that produces nuclear materials, photos were released showing Kim inspecting long rows of machines called centrifuges. These machines enrich uranium, which is used to create nuclear weapons. The report did not say when or where the visit took place.
Kim emphasized the need to produce more materials for nuclear weapons. He said this is essential to protect North Korea from threats posed by the United States and its allies, and to ensure the country’s ability to defend itself or launch a preemptive strike if necessary.
He claimed that threats from “U.S. imperialists and their followers” had crossed a dangerous line, justifying the need for more weapons.
North Korea has multiple uranium enrichment sites, and analysts have noticed signs of construction at the Yongbyon Nuclear Research Center, which may indicate that the country is expanding its nuclear program. Satellite images have shown recent activity at this key location.
Uranium is a naturally occurring element that is processed to concentrate the isotope uranium-235, which is necessary for making nuclear fuel and weapons. According to the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), activity has been observed at Yongbyon’s reactor and uranium enrichment plant.
Kim urged workers to boost the production of enriched uranium and to use a newer type of centrifuge that will allow North Korea to increase its nuclear arsenal more quickly
Estimates of North Korea’s nuclear weapons stockpile vary. In July, the Federation of American Scientists suggested that North Korea might have enough materials for up to 90 nuclear warheads, but it likely has around 50 ready to use.
On Thursday, Kim also oversaw the test launch of a new 600mm multiple rocket system. The day before, he visited a military training base where special operations soldiers were conducting drills.
North Korea’s foreign ministry criticized a recent meeting of the U.S.-led United Nations Command in Seoul, calling it a “war organization.” Germany recently joined the command, which now includes 18 nations. The group is responsible for helping monitor the tense border between North and South Korea and is committed to defending South Korea in case of a conflict.
