The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that North Korea is enhancing its capacity to enrich uranium for weapons production as part of efforts to expand its nuclear arsenal.
A recent report by the agency states that a new building has been constructed at Yongbyon—North Korea’s primary nuclear facility—capable of housing up to 28 centrifuge cascades. Operations have also expanded at the uranium enrichment facility in Kangson, near Pyongyang. These findings are based on an analysis of open-source information, including satellite imagery and photos published by North Korean state media.
IAEA inspectors were expelled from North Korea in 2009. Subsequently, by comparing satellite imagery of the new construction with photos showing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visiting the site in early June, the agency identified the structure as a second uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon.
During his visit to the facility in June, Kim Jong-un claimed that North Korea had more than doubled its capacity to produce weapons-grade nuclear material over the past five years. He also outlined plans for a significant expansion of the country’s nuclear capabilities.
Citing a 2025 analysis by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in the United States, the report notes that the 28 potential cascades at Yongbyon could house 4,592 centrifuges. These centrifuges could potentially produce approximately 85 kilograms of weapons-grade highly enriched uranium annually—enough to manufacture three to four additional nuclear warheads.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed “deep concern” this week regarding reports of ongoing uranium enrichment activities at Kangson and Yongbyon, as well as the expansion of capabilities to produce weapons-grade nuclear material. According to him, the continuation and expansion of North Korea’s nuclear program constitute a “clear violation” of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the matter is deeply regrettable.
South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo stated in August that North Korea might possess between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads. However, he noted that this figure was based on estimates by private research organizations and that the South Korean military had not independently verified the number. That same month, US President Donald Trump cited the number of North Korean nuclear warheads as 57.
North Korea has made rapid progress in its ballistic missile and nuclear programs in recent years. The country has been asserting its status as a legitimate nuclear-armed state as part of its quest for international recognition. Since 2017, North Korea has conducted multiple long-range missile tests; it also carried out its last nuclear weapon test that same year.
In a report submitted to the UN Security Council in 2020, international experts stated that North Korea had likely developed nuclear devices capable of being mounted on ballistic missile warheads.
