North Korea’s Kim pushes nuclear ambitions, photos from uranium enrichment site displayed

For the first time, North Korea has released images of the centrifuges used to produce fuel for its nuclear bombs. 

This comes as leader Kim Jong Un visited a uranium enrichment facility, urging the production of more weapons-grade material to bolster the country’s nuclear arsenal, Caliber.Az reports via Korean media.

In a report by state media on Kim’s visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and a production facility for weapon-grade nuclear materials, images were shown of the centrifuges, offering a rare glimpse into North Korea’s nuclear programme, which is prohibited under multiple UN Security Council resolutions. The photographs depict Kim walking between long rows of metal centrifuges — machines used to enrich uranium. However, the report did not specify when or where the visit took place.

Kim called on workers to increase production of materials for tactical nuclear weapons, emphasising that the country’s nuclear stockpile is essential for confronting threats from US and its allies. 

He stated the weapons are necessary for "self-defence and preemptive attack capabilities".

North Korea is thought to operate multiple uranium enrichment sites. Analysts have observed construction at the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Centre, including its uranium enrichment plant, which suggests a potential expansion of its capabilities. Raw uranium, a naturally occurring radioactive element, is processed to increase its concentration of uranium-235, which is used in nuclear fuel.

Kim also stressed the need to increase the number of centrifuges to "exponentially" expand the production of nuclear weapons. He advocated for the deployment of a new type of centrifuge to further boost the production of weapon-grade material.

Notably, North Korea has previously shown images of what it claims to be nuclear warheads and has conducted six underground nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017. Estimates of the country’s nuclear weapons stockpile vary. A report by the Federation of American Scientists in July suggested North Korea may have produced enough fissile material for up to 90 nuclear warheads, though it is believed to have assembled closer to 50.

Separately, Kim oversaw the test launch of a new 600mm multiple rocket launch system on September 12, and visited an army training base on September 11.

Meanwhile, Japan is convinced that North Korea's missile and nuclear programme poses a threat to peace and security in the region.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi noted that “North Korea's missile and nuclear programme poses a threat to peace and security in the region” commenting on Kim's visit to the uranium enrichment site.

"As for North Korea’s actions, including military ones, we always carefully gather and analyse information, but I would refrain from commenting on specific actions," said Hayashi.

He added that, from Tokyo’s perspective, "North Korea’s missile and nuclear programme threatens the peace and security of Japan and the international community."

Hayashi reiterated that Tokyo will continue to monitor the situation in cooperation with Washington and Seoul.