A high level of activity was recorded at the test site in Yongbyon, the main nuclear complex of the DPRK, Reuters and AFP report, citing data from the 38 North project. According to him, the test of the light water reactor (ELWR) is close to completion at the facility.
According to the media, a new auxiliary building is being built at the site. According to satellite imagery for March 3 and 17, there were also leaks of water from the ELWR’s cooling system, which, according to analysts, indicates its imminent transition to operational condition.
The satellite imagery also shows that the 5 MW reactor continues to operate. In addition, construction of a new facility has begun next to the uranium enrichment plant, which could expand its capacity.
This week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered to expand the production of material for nuclear weapons. Today, April 2, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published a comment in which Pyongyang recalled that it has nuclear weapons. The comments come against the backdrop of past exercises by the US and South Korea, as well as the announcement of their new maneuvers.
The countries plan to hold the largest joint military exercise in history in June as they celebrate the 70th anniversary of their alliance this year. They will involve the Air Force, Navy and infantry. The exercises will include live firing, field training. During past exercises, Pyongyang has intensified work on launching missiles, including “simulating nuclear explosions.”
On the situation on the Korean Peninsula – in the material “Kommersant” “Korean crisis goes into underwater mode.”
