Additional Coverage:
SEOUL, Sept. 10 (UPI) — North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, announced plans to significantly enhance the country’s nuclear arsenal, citing threats from the United States and its allies. This information surfaced in state media reports on Tuesday.
Kim made these statements during a speech on Monday, commemorating the 76th anniversary of North Korea’s founding, as covered by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). He asserted that the U.S.-led “reckless expansion” of military alliances represents a severe threat to North Korea, necessitating an increase in their nuclear capabilities.
“The clear conclusion is that North Korea’s nuclear force, along with its deployment readiness, must be perfected to ensure the state’s right to security at all times,” Kim stated, using North Korea’s official acronym, DPRK. He further emphasized, “We are effectively executing our policy to grow our nuclear arsenal exponentially.”
Just a day prior, KCNA released a photo of Kim inspecting a new 12-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL), potentially a more advanced version of the 11-axle model used for the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile. This development has led to speculation about a new ICBM possibly being unveiled soon.
Commenting on this, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen.
Pat Ryder remarked, “It’s not unusual for North Korea to use media and imagery to broadcast their intentions.” He added that “the U.S. remains focused on working with regional allies, including South Korea and Japan, to maintain regional security and deter any potential attacks.”
In his address, Kim asserted that North Korea acts as a “responsible nuclear weapons state,” claiming, “We are under constant serious nuclear threat. Our nuclear arsenal is purely for self-defense and poses no threat to others.”
The exact number of nuclear weapons North Korea possesses remains uncertain. However, a recent study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated that North Korea has about 50 warheads and enough fissile material to produce up to 90.
Tensions continue to escalate on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea conducting frequent weapons tests and issuing hostile statements toward the U.S. and its allies. Last month, North Korea showcased new “suicide” drones and enhanced multiple rocket launchers, short-range weapons capable of targeting Seoul, which is just 30 miles from the border.
Additionally, North Korea has resumed sending trash-filled balloons over the border, engaging in a psychological warfare campaign reminiscent of the Cold War. In response, Seoul has started broadcasting propaganda via loudspeakers near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Recently, South Korea and the U.S. completed a 13-day military amphibious landing exercise near Pohang and concluded their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint exercise, which North Korea condemned as highly provocative and aggressive.