Mon Dec 29 00:31:18 UTC 2025: North Korea Vows ‘Unlimited’ Nuclear Growth Ahead of Key Party Congress
Pyongyang, North Korea – Kim Jong Un has called for the “unlimited and sustained” development of North Korea’s nuclear combat forces, state media reported Monday, following a test launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles. The launch, overseen by Kim himself, comes as the nation prepares for a crucial Workers’ Party Congress expected in early 2026, where a new five-year development plan will be unveiled.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missiles flew over the sea west of the Korean Peninsula before hitting their target, with Kim expressing “satisfaction” with the results. He stated that these regular tests of the nation’s nuclear deterrent are a “responsible exercise” in the face of “various security threats.”
South Korea’s military detected the launch of multiple missiles from the Sunan area near Pyongyang on Sunday morning, according to Yonhap news agency. They have warned that additional missile tests may occur before the end of the year.
Separately, KCNA reported on Thursday that Kim inspected an 8,700-tonne “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine” under construction, first revealed in March. He also criticized South Korea’s plans to build its own nuclear-powered submarines, calling it a security threat that “must be countered.”
Kim has been visibly active in recent weeks, attending the openings of new facilities and overseeing military exercises, as North Korea rushes to complete its current five-year plan.
Since denuclearization talks with the U.S. collapsed in 2019, Pyongyang has declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state. Further emboldening Kim is Russia’s war on Ukraine, securing support from Moscow after sending troops to fight alongside Russian forces.
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