Kim vows next nuclear deterrence plan at party congress

Jan 28, 2026, 10:07 am

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes a test-firing of an “upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher weapons system” on Jan. 27, according to Korean Central Television. Kim Jong-sik, first vice director of the Workers’ Party Central Committee, and Jang Chang-ha, head of the Missile Administration, accompanied him. / Yonhap

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a missile launch on Jan. 27 and said his country would unveil its next-stage plan to strengthen nuclear deterrence at an upcoming party congress, state media reported Tuesday.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim attended a test-firing conducted by the Missile Administration to verify the effectiveness of an “upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher weapons system” incorporating new technologies.

Kim, who was accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae, said building “the most reliable offensive capabilities” and implementing a deterrence strategy based on them is an “unchanging line” of the ruling party’s national defense policy.

He added that the ninth congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea would “proclaim next-stage plans to further strengthen the country’s nuclear war deterrence.”

Kim described the test as “clear proof of the continuous upgrading and evolution of our national defense technology,” stressing that the purpose of such activities is “to further advance nuclear war deterrence.”

“Demonstrating this will and capability itself constitutes the responsible exercise of deterrence,” he said, warning that the test would pose a “serious threat” and a source of “grave concern” to forces seeking military confrontation with North Korea.

KCNA reported that four rounds were fired during the test, striking a maritime target 358.5 kilometers away from the launch site.

#North Korea #Kim Jong Un #missile launch #nuclear deterrence #Workers’ Party congress