Satellite images indicate that North Korea has been expanding its suspected nuclear weapons program by developing suspected enrichment facilities, heat exchangers, and underground nuclear waste storage sites.

According to a report by 38 North, a US-based website that monitors North Korea’s activities and their impact on global security, significant modernization and expansion efforts have been observed at the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center between October and November 2025. The expansion of the Yongbyon nuclear plant aligns with Kim’s goal to significantly increase the country’s nuclear arsenal.

The report emphasizes that Yongbyon plays a crucial role in North Korea’s nuclear weapons program as it is the primary producer of plutonium and a key source of enriched uranium. The recent improvements at the site support Kim’s ambition for substantial growth in the country’s nuclear weapons capabilities.

New structures for storing radioactive waste and uranium enrichment laboratories have been constructed at the plant. Satellite imagery also reveals the installation of six heat exchangers near the main building of the suspected enrichment facility, essential for maintaining the proper functioning and safety of nuclear power plants.

In the past, during a US-North Korea summit, Kim Jong-Un proposed closing the country’s main nuclear weapons factory in exchange for the partial lifting of internal sanctions. However, the offer was rejected by former US President Trump during a summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2019.

Recent satellite images show ongoing excavation near the Old Waste Site for a semi-buried radioactive waste storage facility. This expansion aligns with Kim’s objective to increase the country’s nuclear material production capacity.

Furthermore, refurbishment work is being carried out at the hydrogen fluoride handling building, with new roof openings indicating possible renovations or dismantlement of the structure. The construction of potential new enrichment, cooling, and waste facilities is also evident in the satellite images, suggesting efforts to enhance North Korea’s nuclear weapons arsenal.

The report concludes that activities throughout 2025, including reactor operation, testing of the Experimental Light Water Reactor, reprocessing campaigns, and construction of new facilities, are in line with Kim’s directive for exponential growth in the country’s nuclear weapons capabilities.