North Korea ramps up nuclear development amid rising US tensions

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the military materials production facility, the official KCNA agency reported on Friday. He also oversaw trials of new 61-centimetre multiple-launch rocket systems.

Kim Jong-un reviewed the production of nuclear warheads and fissile materials for military purposes and, as reported by Korean media, outlined a plan for the development of North Korea's nuclear industry for military purposes, which includes, among other things, increasing the quantity and efficiency of enriched uranium production facilities.

According to the North Korean leader, the increase in production capacity in this area should occur in "geometric progression" due to the "growing threat of a nuclear attack by the United States and its satellites." Kim Jong-un also emphasized that the security of his country requires constant response to threats and deterrence of the USA. To this end, he believes it is necessary to continually increase defensive capabilities and the ability to conduct a preemptive strike.

On Thursday, the Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that North Korea had fired several ballistic missiles, with at least two flying 350 kilometres at a maximum altitude of 100 kilometres.

This year, the North Korean army conducted 10 tests using missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The previous one took place on July 1, when the North launched two ballistic missiles.

Last week, the North Korean dictator warned that South Korea and the United States would have to pay a "high price" for "provocative military exercises," referring to the annual summer maneuvers of the two nations' armies under the codename Ulchi Freedom Shield.

In a Monday speech on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kim Jong-un announced a significant increase in the nuclear arsenal so that the country is fully prepared to fight the USA and its allies.