North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared intentions to reveal enhanced nuclear development strategies during the forthcoming ruling party congress, following his supervision of the nation’s latest weapons test. State media confirmed on Wednesday that Kim observed live-fire drills featuring an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system on Tuesday—an event neighboring countries South Korea and Japan had previously identified as ballistic missile launches.
Accompanied by his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae—whose repeated public appearances have fueled speculation about her potential succession—Kim inspected the mobile launch vehicle. South Korea’s intelligence services have previously indicated they view the young Kim as her father’s probable heir apparent.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the demonstration aimed to refine the operational effectiveness of North Korea’s ‘strategic deterrent’—a term synonymous with its nuclear capabilities. The report emphasized improvements in both mobility and targeting precision of the rocket system.
Military analysts note that North Korea’s advanced rocket launchers occupy a gray area between conventional artillery and ballistic missiles, possessing self-propulsion capabilities and guided delivery systems. Pyongyang claims certain variants can deploy nuclear warheads.
Kim reaffirmed that military strengthening remains an unwavering policy of the Workers’ Party. The upcoming congress—the first in five years—will serve as a platform to announce ‘next-stage plans for further bolstering up the country’s nuclear war deterrent,’ KCNA reported.
The February gathering, among North Korea’s most significant propaganda events, establishes new political and economic directives. Recent months have witnessed tests of hypersonic missiles, long-range strategic cruise missiles, and advanced anti-aircraft systems, likely demonstrating weapons development milestones ahead of the congress.
While KCNA withheld specifics regarding nuclear expansion plans, international analysts suggest North Korea may be pursuing multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) technology to penetrate missile defense systems. Questions persist regarding Pyongyang’s capability to protect warheads during atmospheric reentry for long-range strikes targeting the U.S. mainland.
North Korea has maintained refusal of diplomatic engagement with the United States and South Korea since the collapse of denuclearization talks with former President Donald Trump in 2019. Experts speculate Kim might reconsider negotiations if offered economic and political incentives for limited disarmament measures.