Kim Jong Un Calls For Rapid Nuclear Expansion Amid U.S.-South Korea Military Drills

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said his country needs to “rapidly expand its nuclear armament”, calling U.S.-South Korea military drills an “obvious expression of their will to provoke war.” The comments were carried by state media KCNA on Tuesday.

The statement comes as South Korea and the United States launched their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, a large-scale 11-day military drill designed to test readiness against growing nuclear threats from Pyongyang.

Pyongyang Condemns Joint Drills

North Korea has long criticized U.S.-South Korea exercises, describing them as rehearsals for invasion. In the past, Pyongyang has often responded with missile launches and other weapons tests.

This year’s exercises are set to run for 11 days, on a similar scale to 2024. However, the South Korean military said that 20 out of 40 field training events have been rescheduled to September, reflecting President Lee Jae Myung’s push to reduce immediate tensions with Pyongyang.

Despite this adjustment, analysts remain doubtful that North Korea will respond positively. Kim, during his visit to a navy destroyer on Monday, said the drills were a “clear expression of their intention to remain most hostile and confrontational.”

Nuclear Expansion a Priority

Kim Jong Un stressed that the security situation on the Korean Peninsula required the North to accelerate its nuclear program. He claimed the U.S.-South Korea exercises involved a “nuclear element” that threatens his country’s sovereignty.

“Through this move, North Korea is demonstrating its refusal to accept denuclearisation and the will to irreversibly upgrade nuclear weapons,” said Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.

According to the Federation of American Scientists, North Korea may have produced enough fissile material for up to 90 nuclear warheads, though it is estimated to have assembled closer to 50.

Regional and Global Implications

The nuclear issue is expected to feature prominently in an upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Washington. Both leaders are expected to discuss strategies to counter North Korea’s growing nuclear arsenal and address the broader regional security environment.

Meanwhile, Pyongyang continues to strengthen its naval forces. Reports indicate North Korea plans to build a third 5,000-tonne Choe Hyon-class destroyer by October next year. It is also testing cruise and anti-air missiles for deployment on its warships.

Rising Tensions Ahead

The latest developments underline North Korea’s determination to expand its nuclear capabilities, regardless of international pressure. With large-scale joint drills underway and Pyongyang vowing retaliation, tensions on the Korean Peninsula are set to remain high in the coming weeks.

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