North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a direct order for a major expansion of the country's weapons programme, calling for a sharp increase in missile production and the construction of new munitions factories. The demand came as he toured a new nuclear-powered strategic submarine, a visit that also featured his young daughter, Kim Ju-ae.
An Ambitious Military Directive
According to state media reports, Kim instructed senior officials to prepare for an especially intensive year ahead for arms manufacturing. During inspections of key production sites, he stressed that factories must further expand the overall production capacity to meet the military's growing need for advanced weaponry.
The missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent, Kim was quoted as saying. He explicitly ordered the building of additional munitions plants to keep pace with demand from the Korean People's Army.
A New Nuclear-Powered Submarine
The focal point of Kim's tour was a vessel described by Pyongyang as an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine. The submarine is reportedly under construction at an undisclosed shipyard. This inspection followed a visit a day earlier to a nuclear submarine factory, where Kim vowed to counter what he termed the growing threat from South Korea's plans to develop similar vessels with US backing.
During the submarine facility visit, Kim was also briefed on research into new underwater secret weapons. Furthermore, state media reported that he oversaw the test launch of new high-altitude, long-range anti-aircraft missiles over the Sea of Japan this week.
Regional Escalation and Global Concerns
This push for military expansion occurs against a backdrop of sharply increased missile testing by North Korea. Analysts interpret these tests as efforts to improve precision-strike capabilities, deter the United States and South Korea, and trial systems for potential export.
Concerns are significantly heightened by Pyongyang's deepening military cooperation with Russia. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Western officials assert that North Korea has supplied Russia with troops, artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems. In return, analysts believe Russia has provided financial aid, food, energy, and sensitive military technology, including expertise that could advance North Korea's nuclear submarine and air force capabilities.
Washington has accused Moscow of assisting with advanced space and satellite technology, which shares underlying systems with intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development. Ahn Chan-il, a researcher originally from North Korea, noted that with Pyongyang's ICBM programme seen as having met its core goals, further accelerated development is likely next year.
Experts estimate North Korea possesses around 50 nuclear warheads, with enough fissile material to build more. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to flag activity linked to North Korea's nuclear fuel cycle, despite inspectors being barred from the country.
Dynastic Signals and Succession Speculation
Kim Jong Un's repeated public appearances with his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, have fuelled intense speculation about her future role. Identified as such by South Korean intelligence, she has accompanied her father to a series of high-profile military events since late 2022, including missile tests, weapons factory inspections, and naval facility tours.
State media's reference to her as Kim's beloved daughter is an unusually prominent label within the regime's propaganda. Analysts suggest her presence at strategic sites appears designed to familiarise the public with the idea of dynastic succession and project long-term regime continuity, though South Korean officials caution it is too early to declare her the formal successor.
Kim stated that new modernisation and production plans would be unveiled at the ruling Workers' Party's first congress in five years, expected in early 2026. Western governments view North Korea's relentless weapons build-up as a direct threat to regional and global security, challenging the international non-proliferation system. With missiles aimed at South Korea, Japan, and potentially the United States, fears of miscalculation during any future crisis remain acute.
