North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected a newly developed nuclear materials production facility and announced plans to significantly expand the country’s nuclear weapons production, according to state media.

Kim visited the site on Wednesday and stated that North Korea would “beef up our state’s nuclear forces at an exponential rate,” as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He said the country has more than doubled its production capacity for weapons-grade nuclear material over the past five years, adding that the new facility would further enhance its nuclear deterrent capability.

The expansion is part of a broader five-year plan launched after denuclearization talks with the United States collapsed, including high-level meetings between Kim and former US President Donald Trump during his first term.

KCNA reported that the facility is equipped with advanced technology, and that Kim toured sections containing centrifuges used for uranium enrichment, though its exact location was not disclosed.

North Korea is believed to possess enough nuclear material for up to 90 warheads and to have assembled around 50, according to a Congressional Research Service assessment. The International Atomic Energy Agency has also reported ongoing expansion of enrichment activities, including construction at Yongbyon that may resemble infrastructure at other known sites.

US intelligence officials have previously warned that North Korea is expanding its enrichment capacity and nuclear infrastructure, including possible additional sites beyond Yongbyon.

Analysts say the latest inspection suggests a move toward large-scale production, with increased involvement from military institutions alongside nuclear scientists.

North Korea has continued missile tests in recent years, including intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States, according to US intelligence reports.

Kim praised nuclear scientists for advancing the country’s strategic goals and described North Korea’s nuclear capability as “inconceivable,” reaffirming Pyongyang’s commitment to expanding its deterrent.

The development comes amid growing global concern over rising nuclear stockpiles, with international monitoring groups reporting increases in deployable warheads worldwide.