Kim Jong Un calls for major nuclear weapons buildup in response to U.S. threat

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to expand the country’s nuclear arsenal in response to perceived threats from the United States, according to state-run media reports on Tuesday. Kim's comments came during a speech marking the 76th anniversary of North Korea's founding, delivered in Pyongyang.

Kim asserted that the "reckless expansion of the U.S.-led military bloc system" posed a "serious threat" to North Korea, necessitating an increase in its nuclear capabilities. 

"The clear conclusion is that the nuclear force of the DPRK and its readiness to use it effectively to safeguard the state's security should be further enhanced," Kim declared, referring to North Korea by its official name. "We are now implementing our policy to expand our nuclear arsenal at an accelerating rate."

His remarks followed the release of an image by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) showing Kim inspecting a new 12-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL). This TEL appears to be an upgrade from the previous 11-axle version used for mounting the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), leading to speculation about the potential unveiling of a new ICBM.

"It's not unusual for North Korea to use media reports and imagery to send signals to the world," Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder noted during a briefing. "From a U.S. perspective, our focus remains on working with our regional allies and partners, including South Korea and Japan, to maintain regional security and deter potential threats."

In his speech, Kim described North Korea as a "responsible nuclear weapons state," emphasizing that its nuclear arsenal is intended solely for self-defense and does not threaten other nations. 

The exact number of nuclear weapons in North Korea's possession remains unclear. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute recently estimated that North Korea has about 50 warheads and sufficient fissile material for up to 90.

Tensions continue to escalate on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea frequently conducting weapons tests and issuing hostile statements towards the U.S. and its regional allies. Last month, North Korea showcased new "suicide" drones and an upgraded multiple rocket launcher capable of targeting Seoul, South Korea’s capital, which is located just 30 miles from the North Korean border.

Additionally, North Korea resumed launching propaganda balloons over the border last week, engaging in psychological warfare reminiscent of Cold War tactics. In response, Seoul has deployed loudspeakers for propaganda broadcasts near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

South Korea and the United States recently completed a 13-day military amphibious landing exercise near Pohang and concluded their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint drills, which North Korea criticized as the "most offensive and provocative war games."