The leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un has approved a five-year plan for weapon’s modernization. As reported by KCNA, the state media, Kim said that the “missile and artillery sector is of paramount importance for bolstering state’s deterrence. He ordered increased capacity and new factories to meet growing demand, signaling that missile delivery system will remain the core of Korea’s defense strategy over next five years.
Regional Implications and Allied Responses
Kim’s announcement has immediate implications for Regional defense posture. The neighboring South Korea has already started upgrading its missile force as a response to Pyongyang ‘s threats. Earlier this year South Korea unveiled a new Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, having extended range and large warhead as part of a broader deterrence plan. President Suk Yeol vowed that any attach from North Korea will be met with overwhelming response. Similarly, Tokyo continues to strengthen its missile defenses and reaffirms that any threat over Japan would be intercepted. At the same time, Washington has deepened its security cooperation with both allies, the US, Japan and South Korea regularly conducts joints missile-defense and anti-submarine exercises to deter threats from North Korea. In conclusion, Kim’s five-year missile roadmap is likely to reinforce allied strategy to enhance extended deterrence from US.
North Korea’s Ongoing Weapons Development
This new development is based on a familiar pattern in North Korea’s weapons progress. In 2021, Kim set out a multi-year plan which included intercontinental rockets, hypersonic glide vehicles, nuclear-powered submarines and spy satellites. Since then, it has increasingly tested new ICBM engines, long-range cruise missiles, naval vessels, anti-air rockets, and recently unveiled a new destroyer to project its nuclear force. Scholars believe that the surge in weapon’s testing is aimed at precision strike capability and strength to Seoul and Washington. The statement from Kim Jong Un highlights that missiles and other related platforms remain regime’s top priority and will guide the regional security even if actual force expansion will proceed step by step.