North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the importance of enhancing nuclear deterrence during his visit to a large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system test site. He announced plans to soon unveil a new strategy reflecting this policy.
This statement came shortly after the U.S. released its new National Defense Strategy (NDS), which outlines the division of responsibilities between South Korea and the U.S. regarding North Korea’s nuclear and conventional threats. Analysts interpret this as Pyongyang signaling its intent to counter the South Korea-U.S. alliance through a dual nuclear and conventional approach.
Clarifying the Nuclear + Conventional Weapon Dual Approach… New Nuclear Doctrine Expected at Upcoming Party Congress
According to North Korean state media, including the Rodong Sinmun, the Missile Bureau conducted a test firing of an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system on Tuesday, featuring new technology. Kim observed the entire test process alongside his daughter, Ju-ae.
Kim expressed satisfaction with the newly developed weapon system’s performance, stating that its activities are clearly aimed at further enhancing the nuclear deterrence.
He framed their military buildup as a defensive measure against external nuclear threats, indicating plans to continue this course of action more openly in the future.
Kim also stated that the 9th Party Congress will announce the next steps to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrence. This suggests North Korea may reveal a new nuclear doctrine during the upcoming party congress.
Previously, North Korea focused on completing its five-year defense development plan (2021-2025) set during the 8th Party Congress. They reportedly conducted several hypersonic missile test launches with Russian technical support and made significant progress in developing the new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and nuclear-powered submarines.
Buoyed by these achievements, Kim hinted at announcing a more advanced defense plan centered on strengthening nuclear capabilities at the 9th Party Congress scheduled for next month.
Notably, during a visit to the Electronic Weapons Research Institute last September, Kim mentioned that the upcoming 9th Party Congress would present a dual policy of nuclear and conventional military development.
Given this, North Korea is expected to establish a strategy that provides nuclear second-strike capabilities against the U.S. mainland while also stockpiling conventional weapons for potential saturation strikes against South Korea using large numbers of ballistic missiles.
North Korea Flexes Military Muscle Following NDS Announcement Outlining Changes in U.S. Forces’ Role in South Korea
Experts note that North Korea’s recent test launches and Kim’s remarks on enhancing nuclear deterrence coincide with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby’s visits to Japan and South Korea. This timing suggests these actions serve as a show of strength in response to the U.S. NDS announcement.
The Donald Trump administration’s 2026 National Defense Strategy, released on January 23, stated that South Korea bears primary responsibility for deterring North Korea, while the U.S. should provide decisive but limited support.
This indicates that while the U.S. government intends to maintain its extended deterrence against North Korea’s nuclear threats, it expects South Korea to take responsibility for conventional threats and direct provocations from the North.
On Monday, Colby, the architect of the NDS, visited South Korea to meet with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, reiterating the emphasis on strategic changes for U.S. forces stationed in South Korea.
In this context, North Korea’s test firing of multiple rocket launchers capable of targeting South Korea appears to express confidence in countering the evolving South Korea-U.S. strategy, signaling a proactive approach toward advancing its nuclear and conventional dual strategy.
Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, stated that North Korea conducted these test launches in defiance of the U.S.’s new strategy that places primary defense responsibility on South Korea. It’s essentially challenging them to try and stop it.
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, explained that this launch demonstrates North Korea’s claim that it can neutralize U.S. technology in response to the NDS.