Just months after the UN’s nuclear watchdog warned of “very serious” advances in Pyongyang’s atomic programme, Kim Jong Un has visited a new production plant and promised an unprecedented surge in North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.
“Geometric progression” pledge
Kim Jong Un toured the plant accompanied by officials from the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s defence industry department and researchers from a nuclear weapons institute. During the visit, he reviewed production processes, operational performance and future development plans.
The North Korean leader stressed the need to further increase the output of nuclear materials and enhance the country’s nuclear capabilities, stating that the relevant programme envisions a substantial expansion of production and the country’s weapons stockpile.
“We have clarified the sequence for implementing a further grand plan to strengthen the state’s nuclear armed forces in geometric progression, and the guarantee of its fulfilment,” Kim was quoted as saying.
Stockpile estimates and international warnings
According to an assessment by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) published in January 2025, North Korea possesses approximately 50 nuclear warheads and has enough fissile material to produce up to 40 more. The institute also noted an acceleration in the production of new nuclear material.
In July 2024, South Korean authorities said the North was in the “final stages” of developing tactical nuclear weapons. By November 2024, Kim had called for an “unlimited” expansion of the country’s nuclear programme. In April 2026, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that North Korea had made “very serious” progress in its nuclear efforts, notably through the construction of a uranium enrichment facility.
Missile tests and combat readiness
In February 2025, North Korean military forces conducted a test launch of strategic cruise missiles, which they described as a warning to “enemies that seriously violate the security environment and drive escalation”, as well as a demonstration of “the readiness of various nuclear means for action”. Following the launch, Kim Jong Un urged his troops to maintain full readiness for the use of nuclear weapons.
Earlier, in late 2025, Kim had called for a five-year plan to ramp up the production of missiles and ammunition, underscoring his regime’s long-term commitment to expanding its military capabilities.
