North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un says the country is moving toward an “exponential” increase in its military nuclear capabilities. Multiple outlets report that Kim makes the pledge during a visit to a newly established facility focused on producing weapons-grade nuclear material. North Korea’s state media, cited by the reports, says the production of weapons-grade nuclear material has more than doubled over the past five years and describes an “ambitious future plan” to expand the nuclear forces at an exponential rate. The accounts add that North Korea views its nuclear arsenal as protection against potential attack, including from South Korea and U.S. forces stationed there.
One report also notes that North Korea has carried out eight missile tests in 2026, suggesting the activities could align with efforts to strengthen its nuclear status amid shifting international conditions. Across the sources, the emphasis remains on Kim’s vow and the claimed growth in nuclear material production, with no outlet providing independent verification of the figures or timelines.
