North Korea’s Kim Jong Un vows rapid nuclear buildup, citing U.S.-South Korea drills as a provocation.
SEOUL
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for a rapid expansion of the country’s nuclear arsenal, denouncing ongoing U.S.-South Korea military exercises as a “clear expression of their will to provoke war,” according to state media KCNA. The exercises, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, are an annual 11-day event designed to enhance South Korea’s and the United States’ response to potential North Korean threats. While Pyongyang frequently condemns these drills as invasion rehearsals, Seoul and Washington insist they are strictly defensive.
This year’s exercises largely mirror the scale of 2024 drills, though 20 of 40 field training events have been postponed to September. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has stressed de-escalation, but analysts remain cautious about Pyongyang’s likely reaction. During his inspection of a navy destroyer, Kim described the exercises as evidence of hostile intent and highlighted the involvement of nuclear elements as justification for North Korea’s accelerated nuclear development.
Analysts view Kim’s statements as a signal of Pyongyang’s continued refusal to denuclearize. Hong Min of the Korea Institute for National Unification noted that North Korea aims to irreversibly upgrade its nuclear capabilities. Reports suggest the country may have enough fissile material for up to 90 warheads but likely possesses around 50 assembled warheads.
Alongside nuclear expansion, North Korea is advancing conventional capabilities, including plans to commission a third 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer by October next year and ongoing testing of cruise and anti-air missiles for its naval fleet. Efforts to address North Korea’s nuclear ambitions are expected to feature in upcoming talks in Washington between Trump and President Lee.
