Kim Jong-un Pushes for Nuclear and Conventional Weapons Boost in North Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has announced plans to ramp up both nuclear forces and traditional weapons development. He made this key statement during visits to defense research centers, signaling a major push ahead of the country’s next big party meeting.
On Thursday and Friday, Kim inspected the armoured defensive weapons institute and the electronic weapons institute under North Korea’s Academy of Defence Sciences. State media KCNA reported that he reviewed cutting-edge projects on new armoured vehicles and electronic weapons. Kim stressed the importance of modernizing conventional armed forces to create a stronger military overall.
"The ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea will roll out a policy to advance nuclear forces and conventional armed forces at the same time in our national defence efforts," Kim said, according to KCNA.
North Korea has already set the stage for this congress. Back in June, the party’s plenary meeting approved plans to hold the ninth congress, though details remain under wraps. The last such event happened in January 2021, where Kim unveiled ambitious goals like building military spy satellites and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
This move shows North Korea wants to catch up in conventional weapons, especially since South Korea holds an edge in traditional military strength. Experts see it as a way to balance their nuclear and missile programs with everyday army gear.
During the visits, Kim dove deep into armored defense research. He checked out developments like special composite armour and an "intelligent active protection system" for tanks and vehicles. He even watched a live test of a new active protection system that defends against anti-tank missiles from the front, sides, and above.
Just last May, Kim visited a tank factory and called upgrading old armored weapons to advanced tanks "the top priority for strengthening our armed forces and modernizing the army."
On Friday, Kim also oversaw a sniper shooting contest between elite units from the capital’s garrison command and a special mobile force. He highlighted how expanding sniper roles could boost the entire military’s effectiveness. Kim urged better training and more intense activities for these special sniper teams.
This comes as North Korea has deployed about 15,000 troops to aid Russia in the Ukraine war. Since then, Kim has repeatedly called for modernizing conventional weapons, ramping up field training, and improving combat skills to keep the military sharp.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
