Post by : Jyoti Gupta

Photo:Reuters

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced that his country is preparing a new military policy. This plan will focus on two things together: strengthening nuclear weapons and modernizing its regular army.

The announcement will be officially presented at a major ruling party meeting that is expected to take place soon, possibly early next year. Although the exact date of the meeting has not yet been shared, Kim made clear during his visit to weapons research facilities this week that North Korea is now planning to push forward nuclear and conventional power side by side.

Why is North Korea doing this?

Since a failed summit with the United States in 2019, North Korea has rejected any idea of giving up its nuclear weapons. The government even declared itself an “irreversible nuclear state,” meaning it sees its nuclear program as permanent and untouchable.

But Kim Jong Un now believes that nuclear weapons alone are not enough to keep enemies away. He wants North Korea to build a powerful modern army that can fight in today’s style of warfare, which includes advanced technology, drones, missiles, and satellite systems.

Influence of Global Conflicts

The war in Ukraine has also given Kim new confidence. North Korea has openly supported Russia by sending thousands of troops to fight alongside Russian forces. In return, Pyongyang has gained stronger ties with Moscow.

Last year, North Korea and Russia signed a mutual defense pact when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang. This deal means that both countries promised to help each other if they are attacked.

South Korea has repeatedly warned that Russia might be sharing sensitive military technology with North Korea in exchange for its help in the war against Ukraine. This could give Pyongyang access to advanced designs and systems for missiles, tanks, and other weapons.

Expert Views

Security experts believe that Kim’s new plan shows he now sees nuclear weapons as limited in some situations. To truly increase his country’s strength, he wants to improve the regular army as well.

One analyst explained that cooperation between Russia and North Korea is no longer only about nuclear missiles. It now seems to cover conventional weapons and modern warfare techniques too. This will likely be included in North Korea’s long-term strategy to transform its armed forces.

North Korea’s Past Military Goals

This is not the first time Kim has announced a big military plan. At the party congress in January 2021, he promised to build spy satellites, solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and other high-tech weapons. Some of these goals have already been partly tested, but North Korea wants to go much further now.

Recent Global Signals

Just this month, Kim Jong Un stood side by side with Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a huge parade in Beijing. The three leaders appeared together, which sent a strong signal to the world about their growing partnership.

This appearance drew an angry reaction from US President Donald Trump, who accused Kim, Putin, and Xi of plotting against the United States.

What to Expect Next

Analysts say the ruling party meeting will likely be held in early 2026. During that event, Kim Jong Un will unveil the detailed military and nuclear strategy that he has promised. The focus will almost certainly be on modernization, closer ties with Russia, and building weapons for future warfare.

The world is watching closely because any step forward in North Korea’s weapons program could increase tensions not only with the United States and South Korea but also across Asia.