North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un could authorize a nuclear test at the Punggye-ri site facility.
According to a report by South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), as cited by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday, November 5, North Korea could soon conduct additional military activities.
The agency further indicated that North Korea is preparing new spy satellite launches with technical assistance from Russia to deploy higher-resolution reconnaissance satellites than those it currently possesses.
The Punggye-ri facility, located in the mountainous northeast, has long been the focal point of North Korea’s nuclear testing program. Analysts believe it remains operational and ready for a new test if ordered by Kim.
In September, Kim vowed to “exponentially increase” North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, pledging no limits on the country’s military expansion, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The declaration was made during a speech marking the 76th anniversary of North Korea’s founding, his first such address since assuming power in 2011, as noted by South Korea’s Unification Ministry.
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North Korea Plans to Expand Nuclear Arsenal
In 2023, North Korea conducted a test of a solid-fuel rocket engine powerful enough to serve as the first stage of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of striking the United States.
The North Korean Academy of Defense Science described the test as “successful,” calling it the country’s “first of its kind.”
Officials said the rocket would support the development of “a new type of strategic weapon system,” implying its potential use for a nuclear-capable missile.
Although North Korea already possesses ICBMs capable of reaching the US, those systems rely on liquid fuel. Solid-fuel ICBMs, by contrast, can be launched more quickly, making it harder for the United States or South Korea to detect and pre-emptively destroy them before launch.
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Nuclear Threat and Military Defence
Kim Jong Un’s remarks came just days after South Korea unveiled plans to boost its defense capabilities and increase military spending.
South Korea updated its five-year defence plan that included measures aimed at countering North Korea’s growing nuclear threat — such as enhancing pre-emptive strike capabilities and expanding intelligence operations.
The South Korean military struggled to intercept the drones, prompting Yoon to criticize Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup for inadequate readiness.
Seoul later deployed its own UAVs across the border and vowed to “punish and retaliate in the event of any North Korean provocations.”
The established drone unit was tasked with developing technologies to counter and disable hostile UAVs, including the use of laser and electromagnetic defence systems.
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