PYONGYANG – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared his intention to ramp up the country’s nuclear weapons program, citing ongoing military exercises between the United States and South Korea as evidence of “hostile intent,” according to reports from state media.

During a visit to a naval destroyer, Kim stated that the joint drills are “an obvious expression of their will to provoke war,” according to a report published on Tuesday. He asserted that North Korea must “rapidly expand” its nuclear weapons program, specifically mentioning the inclusion of “nuclear elements” in the exercises.

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which began this week, involve large-scale field maneuvers and updated response strategies to counter North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities, as claimed by the US and South Korea. The exercises are scheduled to last for 11 days, with half of the 40 planned field training events moved to September.

“Purely Defensive”

South Korean officials have stated that the adjustments to the drills reflect President Lee Jae Myung’s desire to de-escalate tensions, although analysts are skeptical that Pyongyang will respond favorably.

While Seoul and Washington maintain that the exercises are purely defensive,Pyongyang routinely condemns them as preparations for an invasion and often responds with weapons tests.

“Through this move, North Korea is demonstrating its refusal to accept denuclearisation and the will to irreversibly upgrade nuclear weapons,”

North Korea’s stance is expected to be a key topic of discussion during upcoming talks between US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee in Washington later this month, with efforts to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions taking precedence.

“Through this move, North Korea is demonstrating its refusal to accept denuclearisation and the will to irreversibly upgrade nuclear weapons,” said Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul.

A study published last year by the Federation of American Scientists estimated that North Korea may possess enough fissile material to construct up to 90 nuclear warheads, although the actual number assembled is likely closer to 50.

In addition to its nuclear ambitions, Pyongyang is also developing its naval capabilities. The North Korean public broadcaster KCNA reported that the country intends to complete the construction of a third 5,000-tonne Choe Hyon-class destroyer by October of next year and is currently testing cruise and anti-air missiles for these vessels.