Kim Announces North Korea’s Nuclear Capability Expansion

North Korea has successfully conducted a long-range strategic cruise missile test over its territorial waters, marking the latest demonstration of its growing military capabilities. Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un personally oversaw the exercise, declaring that Pyongyang’s nuclear warfighting capabilities would be developed “limitlessly and continuously.”

State-run media outlet KCNA reported on Monday, 29 December, that the missiles, launched on Sunday from the western coast near Pyongyang, followed their predetermined flight paths and struck their targets with precision. Kim expressed satisfaction with the test results, emphasising that regular verification of nuclear strength is a responsible national duty in the face of perceived security threats from adversaries.

South Korea’s military confirmed the missile launches, which occurred early Sunday morning from the Sunan region of Pyongyang. Seoul strongly condemned the tests and warned that Pyongyang could undertake more provocative or strategically significant military exercises before the year’s end.

The tests come ahead of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party Ninth Congress, scheduled for early 2026, where the leadership is expected to unveil a new five-year development plan. Observers note that Kim’s recent series of weapons inspections and test launches appear aimed at projecting both military and economic strength to the international community.

Only days before the cruise missile test, Kim had inspected an 8,700-ton nuclear submarine under construction, accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, widely regarded as a potential successor. At the submarine facility, Kim warned that South Korea’s plans to develop nuclear submarines posed a significant security threat to the North and vowed a stringent response. Analysts suggest that Pyongyang is increasingly determined to establish itself as an “invincible” nuclear power.

Since the failure of his 2019 summit with former US President Donald Trump, North Korea has focused unilaterally on enhancing its military capabilities, eschewing concessions to the West. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Russia receiving thousands of troops and direct support from Moscow, is thought to have emboldened Kim Jong-un to adopt a more aggressive posture internationally.

These continuous nuclear and strategic missile exercises are likely to heighten diplomatic pressures not only on Seoul but also on Washington. Pyongyang has made it clear that no limitation will impede its ambition to develop a world-class nuclear force.

Key Details of North Korea Missile Test