International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on April 15 that North Korea has made "very worrying" progress in its nuclear weapons production capabilities, as signs show that it is significantly expanding operations at key facilities.
According to Mr. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA recorded a rapid increase in activity at the Yongbyon nuclear complex, including a 5 megawatt reactor, a used fuel recycling facility, a light water reactor and many other facilities. These developments show that North Korea's nuclear material production capacity is being significantly improved.
The IAEA also discovered the construction of a new facility with characteristics similar to existing uranium enrichment plants. Analysis of external factors shows that this facility could significantly expand uranium enrichment capabilities, an effective path to create weapons-grade materials, in addition to the plutonium recycling method.
Satellite images in April reinforced the above assessment when a report showed the possibility of completing a new uranium enrichment plant, capable of producing materials for nuclear weapons manufacturing.
It is estimated that North Korea's nuclear program can currently possess several dozen warheads. Signs such as the operation of the light water reactor and the activation of other facilities besides Yongbyon show that the scale of the program is continuing to expand.
Mr. Grossi said that all these factors reflect a significant increase in North Korea's nuclear weapons manufacturing capabilities. He also said that there is no evidence of Russian technology being used in this program, although the two countries have signed cooperation agreements, mainly related to the civilian nuclear field.
The head of the IAEA warned that pursuing nuclear weapons does not bring sustainable security, but may trigger the risk of widespread nuclear proliferation.
In addition, he also mentioned South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine development plan, emphasizing the need for close coordination with the IAEA to prevent the risk of weapons proliferation, due to the characteristic that nuclear fuel on ships may not be tested for a long time.
