Yongbyon nuclear complex

North Korea has unveiled a new nuclear facility to produce bomb fuels, with leader Kim Jong Un pledging to expand the country’s nuclear forces 'at an exponential rate.' The facility, described as using 'more sophisticated technology,' is likely used to enrich weapons-grade uranium, according to state media. North Korea claims its nuclear material production capacity has doubled in five years, though this cannot be independently verified.

Satellite imagery shows increased activity at North Korea's Yongbyon Nuclear Complex, indicating the country is expanding its capacity to produce nuclear weapons. Experts analyzing imagery from April 2024 detected steam emissions and water discharges consistent with plutonium production cycles. The findings align with Kim Jong Un's February announcement to build up and diversify North Korea's nuclear arsenal over the next five years.