North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for the development of advanced weapons systems to strengthen the country’s nuclear-armed military, including intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of being launched from underwater platforms and an expanded arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons. The announcement came as he concluded a major ruling Workers’ Party congress, where long-term defence and foreign policy goals for the next five years were outlined. State media reported that Kim emphasised accelerating military modernisation to reinforce North Korea’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
During the congress, Kim reiterated strong warnings toward South Korea, claiming that North Korea could “completely destroy” its southern neighbour if national security were threatened. He continued his recent hard-line stance by rejecting inter-Korean dialogue and describing South Korea as a permanent adversary. Analysts, however, suggest that such rhetoric is primarily aimed at strengthening North Korea’s regional posture and domestic messaging rather than signalling an immediate military confrontation.
At the same time, Kim left limited room for possible engagement with the United States, stating that dialogue could resume if Washington abandoned what Pyongyang describes as its “hostile policy,” a term commonly used to refer to sanctions and military pressure linked to North Korea’s nuclear programme. He said relations with the United States would depend entirely on American policy choices, adding that North Korea was prepared for either peaceful coexistence or prolonged confrontation.
The party congress, a highly choreographed political event showcasing loyalty to Kim’s leadership, concluded with a large military parade in Pyongyang. Kim appeared alongside his daughter, widely believed to be Kim Ju-ae, who has increasingly featured in state events, signalling her growing public prominence. Notably, the parade did not display some of North Korea’s largest long-range missiles capable of striking the United States, which observers interpreted as a possible attempt to avoid escalating tensions ahead of any future diplomatic engagement.
Kim also confirmed plans to broaden North Korea’s nuclear capabilities through faster production of warheads and diversification of delivery systems. Proposed developments include underwater-launched ICBMs potentially linked to a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, artificial intelligence-enabled attack drones, enhanced electronic warfare systems, advanced reconnaissance satellites, and weapons designed to target enemy space assets. He further called for increased deployment of nuclear-capable artillery systems aimed at South Korea and stronger military fortifications along the border.
In recent years, North Korea has already tested several advanced weapons, including solid-fuel ICBMs, tactical nuclear systems and claimed hypersonic missiles, while launching its first military reconnaissance satellite in 2023. Kim’s latest policy direction signals continued prioritisation of military expansion as North Korea seeks strategic leverage internationally while deepening ties with partners such as Russia and China, even as it keeps the possibility of negotiations with Washington open.
