On Friday, North Korea revealed images for the first time of its uranium enrichment centrifuges, which produce fuel for nuclear weapons, as leader Kim Jong-un visited a facility and called for increasing weapons-grade material to expand the country’s nuclear arsenal.
State media reported Kim’s visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and a production facility, showing him inspecting rows of metal centrifuges used to enrich uranium. The exact timing and location of the visit were not disclosed. The images offer a rare glimpse into North Korea’s nuclear program, which has been prohibited under multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Kim urged workers to enhance production of materials for tactical nuclear weapons, emphasizing that North Korea’s nuclear arsenal is essential for self-defense and preemptive attack capabilities against perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies. He stated that U.S.-led forces had crossed a “red line” with their anti-DPRK (North Korea) nuclear threats.
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North Korea is believed to have several uranium enrichment sites, with satellite imagery suggesting recent construction at the main Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center. This facility is thought to be expanding its uranium enrichment capabilities.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) observed activity at Yongbyon that was consistent with the operation of a reactor and enrichment facility, according to its chief Rafael Grossi.
Kim also called for an increase in the number of centrifuges and the use of a new type of centrifuge to boost the production of weapons-grade material. Ankit Panda from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace noted that this development indicates North Korea is advancing its nuclear fuel cycle capabilities, with a focus on using uranium for its tactical nuclear weapons.
North Korea’s move to show these images highlights its growing nuclear capabilities. Jenny Town of the U.S.-based Stimson Center remarked that this is the first instance of photos showing the enrichment equipment, reinforcing the country’s ability and commitment to expanding its nuclear arsenal.
Previously, North Korea has displayed images of nuclear warheads and conducted six underground nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017. Estimates of North Korea’s nuclear weapons vary, with a July report by the Federation of American Scientists suggesting the country could have enough material for up to 90 warheads, though it has likely assembled closer to 50.
Additionally, Kim oversaw the test launch of a 600mm multiple launch rocket system and visited an army training base earlier in the week. North Korea’s foreign ministry also criticized a recent U.S.-led United Nations Command defense meeting in Seoul, labeling it a “war organization.” Germany recently joined this command, becoming the 18th nation in the group that oversees the tense North-South Korean border and pledges to defend South Korea in the event of a conflict.
