North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has vowed to significantly enhance the country's nuclear arsenal, citing threats from a U.S.-led military bloc as a primary motivator.

In a recent speech marking the 76th anniversary of North Korea's government, Kim stressed the importance of making all armed forces, particularly nuclear units, fully combat-ready.

This rhetoric aligns with North Korea's protest against a new U.S.-South Korean defense guideline, which it claims indicates intentions for invasion.

Relations between North and South Korea are currently strained, highlighted by North Korea's deployment of 250 ballistic missile launchers near the border.

In response to North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile activities, the European Union has imposed sanctions, further isolating the regime.

Amid rising tensions, North Korea has been strengthening military cooperation with Russia, particularly following a strategic partnership treaty signed by Kim and Putin.

The Pentagon has confirmed its close collaboration with South Korea and Japan to maintain regional security in light of North Korea's escalating military activities.

South Korea's deputy defense minister, along with U.S. and Japanese counterparts, condemned North Korea's diversification of nuclear delivery systems and its recent missile tests.

Despite extensive UN sanctions and a history of nuclear tests, North Korea has intensified its missile tests and hostile rhetoric against the U.S. and South Korea.

Estimates suggest that North Korea possesses around 50 nuclear warheads, although the exact number remains uncertain.

In his speech, Kim accused unspecified 'hostile' forces of planning to attack North Korea with nuclear weapons, reflecting the regime's heightened paranoia.

This announcement follows North Korea's unveiling of a new missile platform, likely capable of launching more advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) targeting the U.S.