North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering the country’s offensive military capabilities, describing war readiness as the “most critical and vital task” for the nation’s armed forces. His remarks were delivered during the 4th Battalion Commanders and Political Officers Conference of the Korean People’s Army on November 15, marking the first such gathering in a decade.
According to the state-run Rodong Sinmun, Kim’s keynote address, “On the Current Situation and the Duties of Battalion Commanders and Political Officers of the Republic’s Armed Forces,” focused on preparing the military for decisive action. He declared, “Our military must be fully prepared to counter any enemy aggression decisively and flawlessly execute assigned missions during crises.” He added that bolstering combat readiness is central to achieving North Korea’s goal of becoming a “powerful and prosperous nation.”
Kim highlighted the role of nuclear weapons in the country’s defense strategy, calling their development an “irreversible policy.” He stressed the need for “perfect operational readiness” to ensure the nuclear force can fulfill its deterrent role and its second mission: preemptive strikes. “We will tirelessly enhance our national self-defense capabilities, with nuclear power at the center,” he stated.
He also warned against complacency, emphasizing the stakes for the country’s sovereignty and families. “If our armed groups drift away from the battlefield, enemies will rejoice and attack, and the price will be paid in the blood of our beloved parents, spouses, and children. This must never be forgotten,” Kim said, in remarks widely interpreted as a call to prepare troops for potential combat deployments.
Kim aimed at trilateral military cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, describing it as a “major threat to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.” He accused the three nations of forming an alliance akin to NATO, which he warned could provoke conflict. He further blamed the U.S. and South Korea for undermining peace on the Korean Peninsula, asserting that they bear primary responsibility for escalating tensions.
High-ranking officials attended the conference, including Defense Minister Noh Kwang Chol, Chief of the General Staff Ri Yong Gil, and General Political Bureau Director Jeong Gyeong Taek. Rodong Sinmun noted that commanders and political officers who contributed significantly to enhancing battalion readiness were given prominent roles in the event, underscoring the leadership’s focus on military preparedness.