Kim Jong-un declares expanding North Korea's nuclear forces as the "most correct" way to cope with global instability, citing growing US and ally threats, as analysts assess the strategic depth and intentions behind the rapidly growing arsenal.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged officials to significantly expand the country's nuclear arsenal and strengthen defense capabilities, aiming to "overtake the world." The comments were made during a three-day Workers' Party meeting that also reviewed economic issues and leadership changes.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has urged for an expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal with the aim of 'overtaking the world.' The call came during a three-day Workers' Party meeting that reaffirmed the nation's commitment to nuclear forces and designated South Korea as its most hostile nation.
North Korea is strategically defending its nuclear arsenal by leveraging the global superpower rivalry, particularly between the US and China. As the Iran conflict concludes, Pyongyang anticipates renewed denuclearization pressure and seeks support from Russia and China to legitimize its weapons program and secure economic/military aid.
SIPRI reports that all nine nuclear-armed states expanded or modernized their arsenals in 2025, introducing new delivery systems. Governments are increasingly relying on nuclear weapons for national defense, with Finland and Sweden shifting their nuclear policies. The total number of nuclear weapons is around 12,200, and while old warheads are being decommissioned, new ones are being added at a faster rate.
India has deployed 12 nuclear warheads, marking a shift from storing them separately from delivery systems. This move, reported by SIPRI, indicates India's growing sea-based deterrent capability with operational nuclear-powered submarines.
China's nuclear arsenal is rapidly expanding, with estimates of 600 warheads and potentially over 1,000 by 2030. Pakistan's smaller arsenal focuses on deterring India with tactical and strategic missiles. India is developing the Sudarshan Chakra air defense system to counter both threats.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a new nuclear material production facility and vowed to "exponentially" strengthen the country's nuclear arsenal. The facility is assessed as a uranium enrichment site, potentially a fourth location, as Kim claimed production capacity has more than doubled in five years.
India and Pakistan possess nearly equal nuclear arsenals (172 vs 170 warheads), but differ significantly in doctrine and delivery. India adheres to 'No First Use' and pursues minimum deterrence, while Pakistan employs 'Full Spectrum Deterrence' to counter India's conventional strength. This divergence creates escalation risks.
For decades, China pared back its nuclear weapons program and kept its arsenal to a minimum. Now, new satellite images show China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal and production sites. Why?
North Korea has insisted that it will not give up its nuclear arsenal, describing its path as "irreversible" and vowing to strengthen its capabilities.
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Seven in 10 South Koreans support developing nuclear weapons according to polls, while Japan's PM refuses to rule out nuclear armament. The war on Iran has transformed nuclear discourse in both countries, with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warning of a potential global nuclear arms race. Analysts caution the non-proliferation order in East Asia remains intact but psychological barriers are eroding.
