North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has instructed the country to increase the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials in order to expand its arsenal, according to state media outlet KCNA on Tuesday. Kim emphasized that North Korea should be prepared to utilize its weapons at any given moment.
Kim's statements were made during his inspection of North Korea's nuclear weapons program, which included new tactical nuclear weapons and technology for mounting warheads on ballistic missiles. He also reviewed nuclear counterattack operation plans, as reported by KCNA.
During the inspection, Kim was briefed on Haekbangashoe, an IT-based integrated nuclear weapon management system, which had its accuracy, reliability, and security confirmed during recent drills simulating a nuclear counterattack.
KCNA reported that Kim ordered the production of weapons-grade materials to be executed in a "far-sighted way," aiming to increase the country's nuclear arsenal "exponentially" and develop powerful weapons. Kim stated that North Korea's nuclear force's enemy is not a specific nation or group, but rather "war and nuclear disaster themselves." He asserted that the expansion of the country's arsenal is solely for defense purposes, as well as to maintain regional peace and stability.
North Korea has recently increased its military tests, launching short-range ballistic missiles on Monday and conducting a nuclear counterattack simulation against the United States and South Korea last week. The country accuses the two nations of rehearsing an invasion through their joint military exercises.
KCNA announced in a separate report that North Korea's military simulated a nuclear airburst using two tactical ballistic missiles during Monday's training. Additionally, a defense think tank tested underwater strategic weapons systems from March 25-27.
