Kim Jong Un Signals Expansion of North Korea’s Nuclear Program After New Weapons Test

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has indicated that his government will unveil plans to further strengthen the country’s nuclear program at an upcoming conference of the ruling party. The announcement came as Kim personally oversaw the testing of a new weapons system, according to state media reports released on Wednesday.

The development follows closely on the heels of statements from South Korea and Japan, which said they had detected multiple ballistic missile launches from North Korea just a day earlier—underscoring heightened tensions in the region.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea conducted a test on Tuesday of a large, advanced rocket launcher system in Kim Jong Un’s presence. Quoting Kim, the report said the test was aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the country’s nuclear weapons capabilities.

According to KCNA, the newly tested system features improved mobility and greater targeting accuracy. Military experts note that North Korea’s large rocket launchers are capable of moving independently and can be guided during launch, making them harder to detect and intercept.

North Korean officials have claimed that some variants of these systems are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Kim Jong Un reiterated that strengthening military power remains a core and long-term policy of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.

KCNA further stated that Kim announced plans to reveal the next phase of efforts to bolster North Korea’s nuclear deterrence at the party congress, which is held every five years. The remarks signal Pyongyang’s intention to continue advancing its nuclear and missile programs despite international sanctions and growing diplomatic pressure.