Kim Jong Un Oversees Weapons Tests, Calls For ‘Deadly And Destructive’ Military

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a series of major weapons tests and called for the country’s military to adopt a more “deadly and destructive offensive posture”, state media reported on Friday, days after Pyongyang commissioned its first 5,000-ton destroyer.

The latest military demonstrations underscore Kim’s continued push to strengthen both North Korea’s nuclear and conventional capabilities while rejecting efforts to revive denuclearisation talks with South Korea and the United States.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim observed tests on Thursday involving a “special mission” warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, an upgraded multiple rocket launcher and extended-range shells for a self-propelled howitzer.

KCNA said the tests were aimed at assessing the performance and precision of the weapons systems, which are intended to enhance North Korea’s combat readiness.

The report quoted Kim as saying the successful trials reflected significant technological advances and would help transform the country’s firepower posture along the border with South Korea, suggesting the systems are designed to target military installations, including US bases stationed there.

“Our self-defence policy is aimed at strengthening a deadly and destructive offensive posture so that no enemy dares to confront us,” Kim was quoted as saying.

“Making the enemy feel constant uneasiness and fear is an important part of deterrence,” he added.

KCNA said the newly tested warhead is designed to inflict “fatal damage” on key enemy infrastructure, including airfields, ports and power facilities.

The weapons tests came just two days after North Korea formally commissioned the Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton destroyer that Kim described as a symbol of the country’s expanding naval and nuclear capabilities. The vessel is regarded as the most advanced warship ever built by North Korea.

Kim has accelerated the expansion of his country’s weapons programmes since his diplomacy with US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019 without an agreement on sanctions relief or denuclearisation.

While Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in resuming talks, Kim has maintained that negotiations can only move forward if Washington abandons its demand that North Korea first commit to denuclearisation.

Relations with South Korea have also deteriorated sharply in recent years, with Kim declaring the South his country’s “principal enemy” and ordering the construction of additional military fortifications along the heavily militarised border.

At the same time, North Korea has deepened its strategic ties with Russia through military cooperation linked to the war in Ukraine, while also maintaining close engagement with China as it seeks to strengthen its diplomatic and security partnerships.