Kim Jong Un Signals Continued Missile Development Over Next Five Years
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is shown during an inspection of missile production facilities, as Pyongyang signals continued expansion of its weapons development programme over the next five years. AI-generated Image via DALL·E
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has signalled that Pyongyang will continue to expand its missile capabilities over the next five years, highlighting the central role of weapons production in what he described as strengthening the country’s war deterrence.
The remarks were reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on December 26, following Kim’s visits to major munitions enterprises in the last quarter of 2025.
What did Kim Jong Un say about missile development?
According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said North Korea’s missile and shell production sector is of “paramount importance” in bolstering the country’s war deterrent. His comments indicate that missile development will remain a priority in Pyongyang’s military planning through the next five-year period.
The statement comes amid a series of recent weapons-related activities that have drawn international attention.
What decisions were taken during the factory visits?
KCNA said Kim ratified draft documents aimed at modernising major munitions enterprises. These documents are to be submitted to a key Workers’ Party congress expected to take place in early 2026.
The congress is expected to set out a new five-year development plan for North Korea, outlining economic and defence priorities for the period ahead.
How does this fit into recent North Korean military activity?
The report follows state media disclosures a day earlier showing Kim overseeing the construction of what North Korea describes as an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine, alongside his daughter. KCNA also reported that Kim supervised the test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles.
Taken together, the developments suggest a continued focus on expanding both offensive and defensive military capabilities.
What are the broader implications?
North Korea’s emphasis on missile production and modernisation comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and continued deadlock in diplomatic efforts to curb Pyongyang’s weapons programmes.
South Korea, the United States, and other regional actors have repeatedly warned that North Korea’s missile and nuclear activities pose a threat to regional stability, while Pyongyang maintains that its actions are defensive in nature.
There was no immediate response from South Korea or the United States to the KCNA report at the time of publication.
