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North Korea rapidly expanding nuclear weapons capability, UN watchdog warns
TL;DR
North Korea has significantly advanced its nuclear weapons capabilities, according to the UN's nuclear watchdog. The country is believed to have around 50 nuclear warheads and has increased activity at its Yongbyon nuclear complex.
Key points
- North Korea has made serious progress in nuclear weapons production
- UN watchdog reports increased activity at Yongbyon nuclear complex
- Country is estimated to possess about 50 nuclear warheads
- Facilities involved include five-megawatt reactor and reprocessing unit
- North Korea's arsenal includes ICBMs capable of reaching the US
Mentioned in this story
International Atomic Energy AgencyYongbyonRafael Grossi
North Korea has made “very serious” progress in its ability to produce more nuclear weapons, the head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog has warned, in another sign that the regime is seeking to use its nuclear arsenal to ensure its survival.
North Korea is thought to have assembled about 50 nuclear warheads, although some experts are sceptical of its claims that it is able to miniaturise them so they can be attached to long-range ballistic missiles.
Speaking during a visit to the South Korean capital, Seoul, on Wednesday, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed reports of a rapid rise in activity at North Korea’s main nuclear complex, Yongbyon.
Grossi said work had intensified at Yongbyon’s five-megawatt reactor, reprocessing unit, light water reactor and other facilities, adding that the country is believed to possess several dozen nuclear warheads.
Since conducting its first nuclear test in 2006, the regime in Pyongyang has acquired what some experts say is a workable nuclear capability that includes intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the US mainland.
Under Kim Jong-un, who became leader five years later, North Korea has accelerated its nuclear weapons programme in defiance of UN sanctions, in what observers believe is an attempt to reduce the likelihood that it could one day be a target for regime change by the US.
Grossi’s comments came as a US thinktank said North Korea appeared to have completed a building intended for uranium enrichment at Yongbyon.
Beyond Parallel, at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said this week that satellite imagery indicated the new facility was nearing operational readiness, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.
The thinktank said the suspected new enrichment facility at Yongbyon and another at a site in Kangson near Pyongyang had not been declared to international nuclear authorities.
Production of enriched uranium, it warned, “would significantly increase the number of nuclear weapons North Korea could possess”.
The report matched an assessment issued by the IAEA in June last year in which it said Pyongyang was building an enrichment facility at Yongbyon that could be used to produce weapons-grade material.
Q&A
What recent developments have occurred in North Korea's nuclear weapons program?
North Korea has made serious progress in producing nuclear weapons, with increased activity reported at its Yongbyon nuclear complex.
How many nuclear warheads does North Korea reportedly have?
North Korea is estimated to have assembled about 50 nuclear warheads.
What facilities at Yongbyon are involved in North Korea's nuclear weapons development?
The facilities at Yongbyon include a five-megawatt reactor, reprocessing unit, and light water reactor.
What capabilities does North Korea's nuclear arsenal include?
North Korea's nuclear arsenal is believed to include intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the US mainland.
