Kim Signals North Korea’s Missile Push for Next Five Years
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has signalled that Pyongyang will continue to prioritise missile development over the next five years, reinforcing the country’s focus on expanding its military capabilities. State media reported that Kim made the remarks while inspecting key munitions factories and reviewing plans aimed at modernising weapons production.
During the visits, Kim stressed the importance of missile and artillery manufacturing in strengthening what North Korea describes as its deterrence capability. He approved draft documents related to defence production, which are expected to be submitted for discussion at a major ruling party meeting scheduled for early 2026. That meeting is likely to outline the country’s strategic direction, including defence goals, for the period beyond 2026.
Broader Military Signals
The announcement follows a series of recent state media reports highlighting military activities overseen by Kim, including progress on new naval assets and tests of air defence systems. These developments form part of a broader effort to showcase advances across multiple branches of the armed forces.
North Korea has consistently framed its weapons programmes as essential for national security, particularly in the face of what it describes as external threats. Despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure, the leadership has continued to allocate resources to missile research, production, and testing.
Strategic Outlook
Observers note that the emphasis on a multi-year missile development plan suggests continuity rather than a short-term escalation. The forthcoming party meeting is expected to formalise these priorities and provide clearer guidance on how defence production will be integrated into the country’s wider economic and political agenda.
