Kim Jong Un Urges Significant Nuclear Weapons Expansion Against U.S. Threat

SEOUL, Sept. 10 — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that his country will significantly increase its nuclear weapons stockpile in response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies, according to reports from state media.

These remarks were made during a speech celebrating the 76th anniversary of North Korea’s founding on Monday, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency.

Kim accused the U.S.-led military alliance of expanding recklessly, describing it as a “grave threat” that necessitates an urgent nuclear buildup for North Korea. He emphasized that the country must bolster its nuclear forces to effectively ensure its security.

“The obvious conclusion is that the nuclear force of the DPRK and the posture capable of properly using it for ensuring the state’s right to security at any time should be more thoroughly perfected,” Kim stated. He further noted that North Korea is executing a policy aimed at increasing the number of nuclear weapons at an exponential rate.

These declarations followed the release of an image by the Korean Central News Agency showing Kim inspecting a new 12-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL). This new TEL seems to be an upgrade over the previously used 11-axle version for the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, leading to speculation about a possible unveiling of a new ICBM.

In light of these developments, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder commented during a briefing, noting that it is common for North Korea to employ media to project its military activities to the world. He reiterated that the U.S. maintains its focus on collaborating with regional allies such as South Korea and Japan to uphold security and stability in the region.

In his speech, Kim asserted that North Korea is a “responsible nuclear weapons state.” He claimed, “We are constantly exposed to a serious nuclear threat,” and added that the nuclear abilities developed by North Korea are purely for self-defense and do not pose a threat to any other nations.

Estimations regarding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal remain vague. A recent analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute suggested that the North has around 50 assembled warheads, with sufficient fissile material to produce up to 90 warheads.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain dangerously high, with North Korea continuing its series of weapon tests and aggressive rhetoric directed at the U.S. and its allies. Last month, North Korea introduced new attack drones described as “suicide” drones, along with an enhanced multiple rocket launcher, capable of targeting areas including Seoul, which is situated merely 30 miles from the North’s border.

Additionally, North Korea resumed launching trash-carrying balloons across the border last week as part of a psychological warfare strategy reminiscent of the Cold War era. In response, South Korea has ramped up its propaganda efforts, utilizing loudspeaker broadcasts near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

The recent military dynamics also saw South Korea and the U.S. completing a 13-day amphibious landing exercise near Pohang. This followed their annual summer joint exercise, the Ulchi Freedom Shield, which was condemned by North Korea as an “offensive and provocative war drill for aggression.”

As both nations engage in military preparations, the situation remains tense, with both sides closely monitoring developments in the region.