Overview

• Kim linked a rapid expansion of North Korea's nuclear program to the ongoing Ulchi‑Freedom Shield exercises, according to state media and wire reports.
• North Korean outlets quoted him accusing Washington and Seoul of signaling an intent to start a war during the drills.
• Reuters reported plans to build a third Choe Hyon‑class destroyer by October next year and to test new missiles to strengthen naval capabilities.
• The United States and South Korea characterize the annual exercises as defensive and have postponed some elements until September.
• Analyses cited in the reporting estimate North Korea has fissile material for up to about 90 warheads, with roughly 50 potentially deployable.