I tested this $159 gaming monitor thinking it was a joke — but it's now my favorite budget display
I've tested some premium, ultra-fast monitors with jaw-dropping OLED panels over the years, and it's hard to go back to anything less than the best gaming monitors once you've seen them upfront in all their glory.
So, when the Acer Nitro KG272 E landed in our testing labs, I wasn't expecting much. A quick rundown of its specs will give you a good idea of what I mean: an FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel with a 100Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and a 100,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
All that doesn't exactly make me say "I need this monitor on my desk right now," not when there's a ridiculous LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B 5K2K OLED curved gaming monitor or an MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED boasting a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time.
Impressive? Yes, but they're also both over the $1,000 / £1,000 mark. That's a whole lot of chump change for premium-quality visuals, but depending on your PC setup, some may not even take full advantage of what these monitors can deliver.
Still, it's hardly a surprise that anyone would glaze over Acer's offering to check out these beasts instead. Me included, but that's until I took a peek at the Nitro KG272 E's price tag.
At just $159, and even more impressive £129, (down to £109 as of writing!), this is one of the cheapest gaming monitors out there. For the specs it offers at this price, and having used it as my primary monitor for a week, I can confidently say that this is now my favorite budget display for both work and play.
The Acer Nitro K272 E gaming monitor is a budget underdog for anyone looking for a simple yet effective display to play PC games or get some work done. With its 27-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS panel, 100Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, it may pale in comparison to the top dogs, but for its price, it goes above and beyond.
And it's even more of a bargain in the U.K.! Right now, you can get £20 off this already pocket-friendly monitor. Whether you're using it as a second monitor or your main display for work, gaming, or watching shows, it will do the job just fine for this cost.
There's still more testing to be done, but I've put it through its paces during everyday tasks, watching shows and playing games. So far, it does everything I could ask for, considering its price — and that says a lot about how you don't need to spend a fortune to get ample performance on a gaming monitor like this.
So, let's get this out of the way first. We've received the numbers from the test lab, and just as I expected, it falls far behind its premium competitors in terms of color accuracy and brightness. I mean, is that surprising considering the specs it sports? Hardly. But I'd argue that for its low price, its results are pretty manageable.
Acer Nitro KG272 E
MSI MPG 272URX
Alienware AW2752Q
sRGB
110.1%
131%
182.5%
DCI P3
78%
97%
129.3%
Delta-E
0.17
0.15
0.06
When putting it together (it's very simple) and setting it up with a 4K video just to see how it looks, though, I had a small hint of surprise on my face and said to my fellow tester Nikita Achanta, "Hey, that isn't too bad." And I was met with agreement.
And so, I lugged it home and started using it as my main monitor. For work, I use my 13-inch MacBook Air M3, and while its display offers great detail for work and binge-watching shows, it's always nice to have a 27-inch monitor as a secondary display. Better yet, it worked like a charm.
The Nitro KG272 E doesn't have many customizable settings, nor a display mode for Mac, but bumping up its brightness to max (it only measures 196.2 nits of SDR brightness, but more on that later) and using its "Normal" color mode allowed it to easily reflect exactly what I'd expect to see on my MacBook's display. That includes fine details, smoothness and fine color accuracy.
A 27-inch monitor is big enough for a desk, and seeing as it only weighs 11.9 pounds with the stand (compared to the 24 pounds of the MSI MPG 272URX), it's light enough to shift around to get the right angle. Speaking of, and not something I'd expect from a monitor at this price, the display's angle can also be adjusted. That's only a simple feature, but it makes shifting the monitor to your liking all the more accessible.
Anyway, it isn't just a few Google Docs and Google Sheets that it helped me out with, as I also threw on a few shows to see if it could dish out some decent visuals. Nothing mindblowing here, but I was decently surprised by the image quality it presented.
In anticipation of "28 Years Later," I decided to throw on "28 Weeks Later" on Netflix. This is a 1080p display, so details weren't completely vivid, but I was still on the edge of my seat as Don (Robert Carlyle) fled the house with the rage-infected people coming over the hill chasing him down at full speed. The vicious, bloodshot eyes were on point, and I didn't feel I was missing out on any finer details while watching the thrilling intro sequence.
After that, I finally used the Nitro KG272 E for what it's intended for: gaming. More specifically, first-person shooters such as The Finals and Doom: The Dark Ages.
With its 100Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, this won't be the first choice for hardcore competitive gamers, and it won't take advantage of the powerful performance the Asus TUF Gaming A18 with an RTX 5070 can pull off (with DLSS 4 delivering frame rates over 200 FPS).
Still, especially for budget gaming systems, this can pull off some mighty fine, buttery smooth visuals.
With settings set to Epic at 1080p resolution, with Nvidia's multi-frame gen at x4, I was smashing down buildings, popping off shots and securing cash in The Finals in all its graphical, fast-paced glory. And frame rates were smooth enough to get me clean shots at the competition.
With similar settings in Doom: The Dark Ages with patch tracing turned on, while it wasn't the same "wow" moment I had experienced on a 4K monitor, I was still impressed by the war-torn, demon-infused settings in the game. Visual cues, such as the green orbs you can parry back at enemies, were clear, and despite it looking just a smidge grainy, I was happy with what it was able to pull off.
For those with budget laptops or gaming PCs, the Nitro KG272 E offers an affordable way to elevate your system's visuals, if only by a bit, and it's quite the wallet-friendly solution.
While I've been impressed by its gaming potential and how it handles productivity, I noticed two downsides that are inevitable for a gaming monitor at this price.
I tried putting on "Love, Death + Robots," known for its visually stunning animation. I watched "Can't Stop," which is basically a new music video for the iconic Red Hot Chili Peppers, seeing them as puppets. The Nitro KG272 E could capture the stunning lights and frantic movements of the band, but I did notice during the darker moments, environments that should be visible weren't on show.
That's due to the display's brightness. At an average of 196.2 nits of SDR brightness (no HDR here), it isn't much. If it's in a room where the sun can get at it, it would be hard to see what's on display.
The speakers aren't a key selling point, either. They can sound hollow without that oomph from the bass, and while it's fine for easy watching, you won't be blown away by the audio it fires. Essentially, you may want to get one of the best gaming headsets instead.
Now, with all that said, these are only minor points that are common with budget monitors. Plus, don't expect absolutely jaw-dropping visuals, but for those who only need a simple and affordable gaming monitor solution to catch up with competitive multiplayer games or even the latest single-player adventures, then the Acer Nitro KG272 E does this in its stride.
If I were a student after a display, I can imagine this being at the top of my list.
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Tom's Guide
12 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I tested this $159 gaming monitor thinking it was a joke — but it's now my favorite budget display
I've tested some premium, ultra-fast monitors with jaw-dropping OLED panels over the years, and it's hard to go back to anything less than the best gaming monitors once you've seen them upfront in all their glory. So, when the Acer Nitro KG272 E landed in our testing labs, I wasn't expecting much. A quick rundown of its specs will give you a good idea of what I mean: an FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel with a 100Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and a 100,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. All that doesn't exactly make me say "I need this monitor on my desk right now," not when there's a ridiculous LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B 5K2K OLED curved gaming monitor or an MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED boasting a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time. Impressive? Yes, but they're also both over the $1,000 / £1,000 mark. That's a whole lot of chump change for premium-quality visuals, but depending on your PC setup, some may not even take full advantage of what these monitors can deliver. Still, it's hardly a surprise that anyone would glaze over Acer's offering to check out these beasts instead. Me included, but that's until I took a peek at the Nitro KG272 E's price tag. At just $159, and even more impressive £129, (down to £109 as of writing!), this is one of the cheapest gaming monitors out there. For the specs it offers at this price, and having used it as my primary monitor for a week, I can confidently say that this is now my favorite budget display for both work and play. The Acer Nitro K272 E gaming monitor is a budget underdog for anyone looking for a simple yet effective display to play PC games or get some work done. With its 27-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS panel, 100Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, it may pale in comparison to the top dogs, but for its price, it goes above and beyond. And it's even more of a bargain in the U.K.! Right now, you can get £20 off this already pocket-friendly monitor. Whether you're using it as a second monitor or your main display for work, gaming, or watching shows, it will do the job just fine for this cost. There's still more testing to be done, but I've put it through its paces during everyday tasks, watching shows and playing games. So far, it does everything I could ask for, considering its price — and that says a lot about how you don't need to spend a fortune to get ample performance on a gaming monitor like this. So, let's get this out of the way first. We've received the numbers from the test lab, and just as I expected, it falls far behind its premium competitors in terms of color accuracy and brightness. I mean, is that surprising considering the specs it sports? Hardly. But I'd argue that for its low price, its results are pretty manageable. Acer Nitro KG272 E MSI MPG 272URX Alienware AW2752Q sRGB 110.1% 131% 182.5% DCI P3 78% 97% 129.3% Delta-E 0.17 0.15 0.06 When putting it together (it's very simple) and setting it up with a 4K video just to see how it looks, though, I had a small hint of surprise on my face and said to my fellow tester Nikita Achanta, "Hey, that isn't too bad." And I was met with agreement. And so, I lugged it home and started using it as my main monitor. For work, I use my 13-inch MacBook Air M3, and while its display offers great detail for work and binge-watching shows, it's always nice to have a 27-inch monitor as a secondary display. Better yet, it worked like a charm. The Nitro KG272 E doesn't have many customizable settings, nor a display mode for Mac, but bumping up its brightness to max (it only measures 196.2 nits of SDR brightness, but more on that later) and using its "Normal" color mode allowed it to easily reflect exactly what I'd expect to see on my MacBook's display. That includes fine details, smoothness and fine color accuracy. A 27-inch monitor is big enough for a desk, and seeing as it only weighs 11.9 pounds with the stand (compared to the 24 pounds of the MSI MPG 272URX), it's light enough to shift around to get the right angle. Speaking of, and not something I'd expect from a monitor at this price, the display's angle can also be adjusted. That's only a simple feature, but it makes shifting the monitor to your liking all the more accessible. Anyway, it isn't just a few Google Docs and Google Sheets that it helped me out with, as I also threw on a few shows to see if it could dish out some decent visuals. Nothing mindblowing here, but I was decently surprised by the image quality it presented. In anticipation of "28 Years Later," I decided to throw on "28 Weeks Later" on Netflix. This is a 1080p display, so details weren't completely vivid, but I was still on the edge of my seat as Don (Robert Carlyle) fled the house with the rage-infected people coming over the hill chasing him down at full speed. The vicious, bloodshot eyes were on point, and I didn't feel I was missing out on any finer details while watching the thrilling intro sequence. After that, I finally used the Nitro KG272 E for what it's intended for: gaming. More specifically, first-person shooters such as The Finals and Doom: The Dark Ages. With its 100Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, this won't be the first choice for hardcore competitive gamers, and it won't take advantage of the powerful performance the Asus TUF Gaming A18 with an RTX 5070 can pull off (with DLSS 4 delivering frame rates over 200 FPS). Still, especially for budget gaming systems, this can pull off some mighty fine, buttery smooth visuals. With settings set to Epic at 1080p resolution, with Nvidia's multi-frame gen at x4, I was smashing down buildings, popping off shots and securing cash in The Finals in all its graphical, fast-paced glory. And frame rates were smooth enough to get me clean shots at the competition. With similar settings in Doom: The Dark Ages with patch tracing turned on, while it wasn't the same "wow" moment I had experienced on a 4K monitor, I was still impressed by the war-torn, demon-infused settings in the game. Visual cues, such as the green orbs you can parry back at enemies, were clear, and despite it looking just a smidge grainy, I was happy with what it was able to pull off. For those with budget laptops or gaming PCs, the Nitro KG272 E offers an affordable way to elevate your system's visuals, if only by a bit, and it's quite the wallet-friendly solution. While I've been impressed by its gaming potential and how it handles productivity, I noticed two downsides that are inevitable for a gaming monitor at this price. I tried putting on "Love, Death + Robots," known for its visually stunning animation. I watched "Can't Stop," which is basically a new music video for the iconic Red Hot Chili Peppers, seeing them as puppets. The Nitro KG272 E could capture the stunning lights and frantic movements of the band, but I did notice during the darker moments, environments that should be visible weren't on show. That's due to the display's brightness. At an average of 196.2 nits of SDR brightness (no HDR here), it isn't much. If it's in a room where the sun can get at it, it would be hard to see what's on display. The speakers aren't a key selling point, either. They can sound hollow without that oomph from the bass, and while it's fine for easy watching, you won't be blown away by the audio it fires. Essentially, you may want to get one of the best gaming headsets instead. Now, with all that said, these are only minor points that are common with budget monitors. Plus, don't expect absolutely jaw-dropping visuals, but for those who only need a simple and affordable gaming monitor solution to catch up with competitive multiplayer games or even the latest single-player adventures, then the Acer Nitro KG272 E does this in its stride. If I were a student after a display, I can imagine this being at the top of my list.
Tom's Guide
14 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I review gaming monitors, but I prefer playing games on my LG OLED TV — here's why
I've been a gamer for most of my life, and I've almost exclusively played games on a TV. This hasn't changed, even now that I review the best gaming monitors for a living. While these devices are specifically designed for playing games at the best possible resolution, refresh rate, and response time, I still default to playing on my current LG OLED. That's not to say I haven't seriously considered switching to a gaming monitor. Devices like the Alienware AW3425DW, LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B, and Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 have tempted me. But while those gaming monitors offer better performance and lower response times, I'm not making the leap from TV to monitors for gaming. I currently own a 55-inch LG CX OLED TV, which I purchased back in 2020 for playing PS5 and the best PC games. Despite being outclassed by better TVs like the LG C5, this older TV still provides the bare minimum I need for gaming. This includes an OLED display, HDR10 support, 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 support, and a 1ms response time in gaming mode. I typically get new TVs when a new gaming generation starts, so I'll likely keep this TV until the PS6 launches. I'm not writing this article to change anyone's mind. If you prefer playing games on a gaming monitor, then you're arguably getting the better overall gaming experience. However, if you're like me and like playing games on a TV, I'm here to tell you that you're not alone. Here's why I prefer playing games on my LG OLED TV. Introduced in LG's 2025 TV lineup, the new LG C5 OLED is here as the value pick of the year. Offering a slew of features, like a range of HDR certifications and gaming specs for the PS5 Pro crowd, the C5 proves a major improvement over its predecessor. 48" for $1,39655" for $1,596 65" for $2,296 77" for $3,29683" for $5,296 Gaming monitors larger than 34 inches used to be rare, but that's no longer true thanks to giants like the 45-inch LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B and the even larger 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. That said, monitors like these are generally curved and ultrawide. These gaming monitors can make gaming feel more immersive and are also fantastic for productivity. However, they don't always make for the best gaming experience. The main issue I have with ultrawide gaming monitors is that not all games, especially console titles, support ultrawide aspect ratios. PS5 games generally have a 16:9 aspect ratio, for instance. Because of that, you'll have empty space on the sides if you're connected to a 32:9 monitor. This is also true for the majority of video content. While playing games with an ultrawide aspect ratio can be extremely immersive, that's only for select games with ultrawide support. Though I purchased and primarily use my TV for gaming, I prefer its standard 16:9 aspect ratio and flat panel since it's ideal for most games and video content. Again, ultrawide curved gaming monitors are fantastic, but they're not the best for most of the games I play. Most of the gaming monitors I've tested don't have speakers. When they do, the sound quality isn't exactly ear-pleasing. Because of that, you'd need to use one of the best gaming headsets. While I have a handful of headsets myself, I only use them when in a game chat session with friends. Most of the time, I'm getting sound from my TV's speakers. Yes, headsets deliver better sound quality and can be more immersive, but I don't enjoy wearing them for longer than two hours. Since I'm not an audiophile and don't want to wear something on my head for too long, I'm fine with my TV's speakers. If I had a gaming monitor, I'd be forced to wear a gaming headset to get better sound, or sound at all. And since I'm sure some of you will ask, I don't use one of the best soundbars since I live in an apartment and don't want to annoy my neighbors. No matter how loud I turn up my TV's speakers, they won't match a soundbar's output. I only started playing PC games around ten years ago when I purchased my first true gaming rig. Before that, I only played on gaming consoles ranging from the original NES all the way to the PS4. Sitting in front of a TV with a controller in hand is my ideal experience, so when I began playing PC games, I made sure to replicate the console experience. Right now, I have my gaming and work PC connected to my LG CX. When I want to play a PC game, I simply select my TV as a display option, fire up a game, and play using one of the best PC game controllers. While there are more steps involved than when I play on PS5 or Nintendo Switch 2, the actual act of playing PC games is effectively the same as the console experience. You might wonder what I do when I want to play RTS or MMORPGs, which have control schemes generally designed for the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mice. The answer is that I don't play those genres. Remember, I come from a console gaming background, so I didn't grow up playing games like Command & Conquer or EverQuest. And while I appreciate mouse and keyboard controls, they still feel alien to me, even for games that are designed for them. If I could only play PC games while at my desk, I wouldn't be a PC gamer. I'll explain why in a bit, but regardless, when I play games on any platform, I want to do it the way I always have — in front of my TV as if I'm playing on a console. If you're a competitive gamer, then you absolutely need a gaming monitor. That's because they offer high refresh rates for smoother gameplay and lower response times to improve (or virtually eliminate) input lag. For example, monitors like the Alienware AW2524H can achieve an absurd 500Hz refresh rate and super-low 0.5ms response time. This is something unheard of for TVs. While higher refresh rates and low response times can help some people play better, the majority of folks won't notice an appreciable difference. I'm not saying that playing a game on a 240Hz and 0.03ms capable monitor won't make a difference in gaming. If you're a professional gamer, you might be capable of discerning between 240Hz and 480Hz. That's awesome, but I'm just a normal gamer and don't have that ability. Because of that, I don't need the performance a gaming monitor provides. This is the last point, but it's actually the main reason I prefer gaming on my TV over a gaming monitor. It's also a sentiment that many of my fellow gaming friends and colleagues also share. After spending 8+ hours a day at my desk, the last thing I want to do is remain at my desk to play video games. I live in a studio apartment, so designating different 'rooms' is important, even if they're artificial separations. Sure, I only move a few feet to the right when going from my desk to my TV, but doing so tells my brain that it's time to relax. If I were to stay at my desk to play games, I'd still think I was working. That might sound weird, but if you've ever lived in a studio apartment or small space, you'll understand. I sit about eight feet away from my TV, which is a good distance that allows me to comfortably see everything without straining my eyes. When working, my eyes are about an arm's length away from my monitor(s). I don't get eye strain during a typical 8-hour work day, but my eyes definitely feel worn out when I have to work longer. I can only imagine the kind of eye strain I'd have if I also played games at my desk. There are probably things I could do to minimize this, but why do that when I can just leave my desk to play games on my TV? Playing video games on a gaming monitor is arguably the best way to do so since that's what they're designed for. As a gaming monitor reviewer, I will always recommend these devices to serious gamers. As much as I love testing gaming monitors and appreciate what they can provide, I'd still rather play on my LG OLED. Not only does it deliver everything I want/need when gaming, but it gets me away from my work desk so I can truly relax. I'm not saying I'll never switch to a gaming monitor, but for now, I'm going to continue playing games the way I always have — on my TV.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Show Underground Military Installations Around the World
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, buried beneath a mountain near the city of Qom, has become a focus of global military attention following the most recent Israeli airstrikes. It is one of the most heavily fortified military sites in the world, and its resilience highlights a broader pattern: nations around the world have built underground bases to shield key military infrastructure from attack. Fordow is dug half a mile underground, lined with reinforced concrete, and surrounded by air defenses. It was built to survive a direct air strike and keep functioning. "Fordow is the be-all and end-all of Iran's nuclear operation," Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told the Financial Times. The site could produce enough weapons-grade uranium for nine nuclear bombs in about three weeks, according to estimates by the Institute for Science and International Security. PlanetScope image of the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant captured on June 14, 2025. PlanetScope image of the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant captured on June 14, 2025. Planet Labs PBC Iran said the facility was attacked last week, though damage was limited. Most military analysts believe the site could only be heavily damaged or destroyed with an American-made bunker-buster bomb and the B-2 stealth fighter configured to drop it. And even then, it is far from a certainty. Danny Citrinowicz, an analyst at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, told Vijesti, "Without U.S. help, Fordow will be a big challenge. It's heavily fortified and deep in the mountain. I'm not sure how much damage we can do there." Fordow is one of many such facilities. Most major military powers have built underground bunkers—some dating back to the Cold War, others still active. While estimates suggest there could be over 10,000 of these sites worldwide, only a handful are widely known. U.S. Sites In the United States, Raven Rock Mountain Complex in Pennsylvania—also known as the "Underground Pentagon"—connects to Mount Weather in Virginia and Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado. These sites are built to maintain government operations in a crisis. Satellite view of the Raven Rock Mountain Complex in Pennsylvania, known as the "Underground Pentagon." The facility includes multiple tunnel entrances and surface structures supporting one of the United States' primary Continuity of Government sites. Satellite view of the Raven Rock Mountain Complex in Pennsylvania, known as the "Underground Pentagon." The facility includes multiple tunnel entrances and surface structures supporting one of the United States' primary Continuity of Government sites. Google Earth Cheyenne Mountain houses NORAD operations and was built to withstand a 30-megaton nuclear blast. In North Dakota, Minot Air Force Base hosts a network of underground silos for nuclear missiles. Texas's West Fort Hood once stored nuclear weapons in tunnels carved into the hillside. During the Cold War, Project Iceworm in Greenland housed nuclear equipment in ice tunnels at Camp Century. At the entrance to the Cheyenne Mountain Complex headquarters for NORAD two military personnel wait to board a bus May 11, 2004 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. At the entrance to the Cheyenne Mountain Complex headquarters for NORAD two military personnel wait to board a bus May 11, 2004 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Getty Images Russia and China Russia's secretive underground transport system Metro-2 system, or D-6, is thought to link key command posts beneath Moscow to facilities such as Vnukovo-2 airport. Meanwhile, the mysterious Mount Yamantau in the southern Urals is believed to conceal a vast nuclear weapons storage or command facility. The Kremlin has never confirmed its purpose. Mount Yamantau, another secretive site in the Urals, is widely believed to be a command hub for nuclear operations. Mount Yamantau, another secretive site in the Urals, is widely believed to be a command hub for nuclear operations. Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 Generic China's Longpo Naval Base, located on Hainan Island, includes a sophisticated tunnel system that enables submarines to discreetly enter and exit from the South China Sea. The facility is believed to play a critical role in supporting China's second-strike nuclear capability. It features an underground complex designed to shield nuclear submarines from aerial surveillance and potential attack. The base includes six wharves—each approximately 755 feet long—capable of accommodating up to 12 submarines. Longpo is part of the larger Yulin Naval Base complex, which serves as a strategic hub for the People's Liberation Army Navy's South Sea Fleet. Satellite view of the Longpo Naval Base on China's Yalong Peninsula. Hidden beneath the dense forest, this strategic facility is believed to house underground tunnels connecting directly to the South China Sea, allowing nuclear submarines... Satellite view of the Longpo Naval Base on China's Yalong Peninsula. Hidden beneath the dense forest, this strategic facility is believed to house underground tunnels connecting directly to the South China Sea, allowing nuclear submarines to enter and exit covertly. More Google Earth Project 131 in Hubei was another Cold War-era command site, though it has since been decommissioned. North Korea North Korea has built extensive underground missile bases, including the Kumchang-ri facility discovered in 1989. While Pyongyang claimed it was a food storage site, U.S. intelligence suspected it was used for nuclear work. These bases are carved into mountains and designed to survive strikes. Satellite imagery of the Kumchang-ri underground facility in North Korea. Discovered in the late 1990s, the site was originally claimed to be agricultural, but U.S. intelligence identified it as a suspected nuclear-related complex hidden beneath... Satellite imagery of the Kumchang-ri underground facility in North Korea. Discovered in the late 1990s, the site was originally claimed to be agricultural, but U.S. intelligence identified it as a suspected nuclear-related complex hidden beneath mountainous terrain. Its exact purpose remains classified. More Google Earth Iran's Expansion Fordow is not Iran's only secure site. Tehran is believed to be is building an even more protected facility at Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La—also known as Pickaxe Mountain—south of Natanz. This site is planned to be even deeper underground, with at least four tunnel entrances and larger internal space. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not been allowed to inspect it. Fordow was built in secret and revealed publicly in 2009 when U.S., British and French officials declassified intelligence on its existence. The disclosure led to increased sanctions and was central to the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration and known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. After Trump withdrew from that agreement during his first term in 2018, Iran resumed higher levels of uranium enrichment by restarting operations at Fordow.
