North Korea's top leader, Kim Jong Un, has indicated that the country plans to reveal further measures to enhance its nuclear arsenal during the upcoming Workers’ Party congress, according to reports from state media on Wednesday.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that on Tuesday, North Korea conducted a live-fire exercise involving an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system with Kim Jong Un in attendance. This drill likely corresponds to ballistic missile launches noted earlier by South Korean and Japanese authorities. Photographs released feature Kim walking alongside a substantial missile delivery vehicle, accompanied by his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, making a notable youth appearance with her father. South Korea’s intelligence agencies have identified her as a potential successor to Kim Jong Un as of early 2024.
KCNA highlighted Kim’s statement that the recent missile test was intended to improve the effectiveness of North Korea’s "strategic deterrent," a phrase that refers to the nation's nuclear weapons capability. The agency also noted enhancements in the mobility and targeting accuracy of the missile launcher system.
Experts interpreting North Korea’s technology classify these large-scale rocket launchers as blurring distinctions between traditional artillery and ballistic missile technology because they have self-propulsion and guided delivery mechanisms. The regime has asserted that various systems possess the capability to carry nuclear warheads.
Kim reinforced the position that strengthening military power is a consistent priority of the ruling Workers’ Party. He added that the upcoming party congress, scheduled to convene in February and marking the first occurrence in five years, will serve as a platform to disclose plans for the "next stage" in augmenting the country’s nuclear deterrence, as reported by KCNA.
The congress is among North Korea’s most significant political events, serving to establish new priorities across political and economic spheres. Since December, the country has reportedly performed missile tests involving hypersonic projectiles, long-range cruise missiles designed for strategic purposes, and novel anti-aircraft missile systems. These demonstrations appear to function as showcases of North Korea’s recent weapons development achievements ahead of the congress.
Although the KCNA did not elaborate on the specifics of the forthcoming nuclear development initiatives, various foreign analysts posit that North Korea may aim to acquire the capability to deploy multiple warheads from a single missile to circumvent missile defense systems. Furthermore, concerns persist regarding whether the country possesses technology adequate to protect warheads from the extreme conditions during atmospheric reentry from long-range missiles potentially targeting the U.S. mainland.
Since the breakdown of diplomatic engagement following Kim Jong Un’s nuclear discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019, North Korea has refrained from dialoguing with the United States and South Korea. Analysts suggest that Kim might consider resuming negotiations if offered political or economic incentives in exchange for limited denuclearization steps.