North Korea promises to expand its nuclear arsenal
North Korea plans to intensify its military and nuclear development efforts as a response to the “reckless” actions of the West, according to Kim Jong-un. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, has emphasized the necessity for Pyongyang to enhance its military capabilities in response to what he describes as the "reckless expansion" of the West.
In a speech delivered on Tuesday to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the nation's founding, Kim outlined plans to increase the country's nuclear arsenal to mitigate perceived threats from the United States and its allies. He asserted that continuing to bolster defense systems is crucial, pointing to the "reckless expansion of the military bloc system led by the US."
Kim articulated that, in light of these developments, "the obvious conclusion is that the nuclear force of [North Korea] and the capability to properly use it for ensuring the state’s right to security in any time should be more thoroughly perfected," as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
He further remarked that Pyongyang is “increasing the number of nuclear weapons by geometrical progression,” and committed to intensifying efforts to ensure that all branches of the military, including nuclear forces, are "fully ready for combat."
At the same time, he claimed that North Korea acts as “a responsible nuclear weapons state” with a focus on using its nuclear weapons solely for self-defense.
Earlier in June, North Korea accused the US and its key Asian allies, Japan and South Korea, of forming an alliance reminiscent of NATO and condemned what it viewed as the West's “reckless and provocative military muscle-flexing.” This criticism arose amid regular military exercises conducted by the US and its allies around the Korean Peninsula, which Pyongyang interprets as preparations for an invasion.
In this context, North Korea frequently conducts missile tests. In July, the country announced it had tested a new tactical ballistic missile, the Hwasongpho-11Da-4.5, which is reported to be capable of carrying a 4.5-ton warhead and reaching targets approximately 300 miles away.
Currently, North Korea is estimated to have about 50 nuclear warheads. In 2022, the country revised its constitution to assert its right to launch pre-emptive nuclear strikes for self-protection, with Kim declaring that this change would render Pyongyang’s nuclear status “irreversible.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a speech delivered on Tuesday to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the nation's founding, Kim outlined plans to increase the country's nuclear arsenal to mitigate perceived threats from the United States and its allies. He asserted that continuing to bolster defense systems is crucial, pointing to the "reckless expansion of the military bloc system led by the US."
Kim articulated that, in light of these developments, "the obvious conclusion is that the nuclear force of [North Korea] and the capability to properly use it for ensuring the state’s right to security in any time should be more thoroughly perfected," as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
He further remarked that Pyongyang is “increasing the number of nuclear weapons by geometrical progression,” and committed to intensifying efforts to ensure that all branches of the military, including nuclear forces, are "fully ready for combat."
At the same time, he claimed that North Korea acts as “a responsible nuclear weapons state” with a focus on using its nuclear weapons solely for self-defense.
Earlier in June, North Korea accused the US and its key Asian allies, Japan and South Korea, of forming an alliance reminiscent of NATO and condemned what it viewed as the West's “reckless and provocative military muscle-flexing.” This criticism arose amid regular military exercises conducted by the US and its allies around the Korean Peninsula, which Pyongyang interprets as preparations for an invasion.
In this context, North Korea frequently conducts missile tests. In July, the country announced it had tested a new tactical ballistic missile, the Hwasongpho-11Da-4.5, which is reported to be capable of carrying a 4.5-ton warhead and reaching targets approximately 300 miles away.
Currently, North Korea is estimated to have about 50 nuclear warheads. In 2022, the country revised its constitution to assert its right to launch pre-emptive nuclear strikes for self-protection, with Kim declaring that this change would render Pyongyang’s nuclear status “irreversible.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
