North Korea unveils nuclear plant, pledges exponential arsenal growth

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a newly inaugurated nuclear material production facility that state media described as a uranium enrichment plant using "more sophisticated technology". KCNA reported that the plant’s weapons‑grade nuclear material production capacity has more than doubled over the past five years and that Kim called for an "exponential" increase in both the quality and quantity of the country's nuclear forces.

The announcement was accompanied by KCNA photographs showing rows of centrifuges in a large hall and Kim walking through the aisles with senior officials. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff identified the site as a uranium enrichment facility and said it is closely coordinating with the United States to monitor the activity. The International Atomic Energy Agency has previously reported a rapid increase in North Korean nuclear activities. No details on the plant’s location or operational start date were provided.