Kim Jong-un Expands Munitions, Tests Cruise Missiles, and Pushes Development Before Party Congress
Updated (3 articles)
Kim Accelerates Arms Production and Missile Testing Kim ordered a two‑and‑a‑half‑fold increase in output at an undisclosed munitions plant producing tactical guided weapons [1]. The same day he inspected a separate facility that manufactures rocket launchers, emphasizing its strategic attack role [2]. He also supervised a long‑range cruise‑missile launch in the Yellow Sea, presenting it as proof of a reliable counter‑attack capability [2]. These moves underline a coordinated push to expand both conventional and strategic arsenals.
Leadership Emphasizes Constitutional Legitimacy and Rural Progress On Constitution Day Kim led a flag‑raising and oath‑taking ceremony at the Mansudae Assembly Hall, reinforcing the regime’s legal narrative [2]. State media praised the “rural revolution,” highlighting five years of farm‑village construction as a hallmark of socialist development ahead of the ninth party congress [1]. The party congress preparations dominated coverage, with Kim’s birthday omitted to keep focus on political milestones [1].
Kim Shows New Infrastructure Across Multiple Regions He cut the ribbon on a new paper mill in Unsan County and toured a freshly built hospital and light‑industry factories in Nampho’s Ryonggang County, part of a plan to complete facilities in 20 cities and counties this year [2]. Earlier, he visited the construction site of the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats for overseas operations, symbolically planting a tree to honor soldiers killed in Ukraine [1]. These visits link economic modernization with patriotic commemoration.
Diplomatic Signals Target Russia and Japan Kim sent a letter pledging unconditional, permanent support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s policies, framing the alliance as essential for Russia’s interests [1]. Simultaneously, the Rodong Sinmun condemned Japan’s 9.04 trillion‑yen defense budget as a revival of militaristic ambitions, accusing Tokyo of plotting a “re‑invasion” [1]. The dual messaging combines overt solidarity with Moscow and heightened rhetoric against perceived regional threats.
Sources (2 articles)
-
[1]
Yonhap: Kim Jong-un oversees munitions expansion memorials and party congress prep: details a 2.5× factory expansion, memorial site visit, criticism of Japan’s defense spending, rural development praise, omission of Kim’s birthday, and a pledge of permanent support for Putin .
-
[2]
Yonhap: Kim Jong-un leads constitutional ceremony, missile test, and regional development push: reports the Constitution Day flag‑raising, long‑range cruise‑missile launch, openings of a paper mill, hospital, light‑industry factories, and a family mausoleum visit, highlighting development and political symbolism .
Timeline
Dec 2025 – The Japan‑based pro‑Pyongyang newspaper Choson Sinbo notes that the United States’ early‑December National Security Strategy omits any mention of North Korea, calling the exclusion “the most notable part” of the document[3].
Dec 13, 2025 – At midnight, Kim Jong‑un leads a solemn tribute to his late father Kim Jong‑il at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, praying for his “eternal immortality” in front of senior officials[3].
Dec 18‑19, 2025 – Kim Jong‑un opens new regional factories in Jangyon County, South Hwanghae Province, cutting ribbons, touring production lines and sampling wheat paste and soy sauce, underscoring his “regional development policy”[3].
Jan 1, 2026 – On New Year’s Day, Kim Jong‑un visits the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun with his daughter Ju‑ae, his wife and senior cadres, marking the first public appearance of his daughter at the mausoleum[2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un presides over a national flag‑raising and oath‑taking ceremony at Mansudae Assembly Hall to commemorate Constitution Day, reinforcing the regime’s claim to constitutional legitimacy[2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Kim orders a test launch of long‑range cruise missiles over the Yellow Sea, declaring the need for “unlimited and sustained development of state nuclear forces” and showcasing strategic counter‑attack capability[2].
Jan 2, 2026 – He inaugurates a new paper mill in Unsan County, part of a broader push to modernize light industry and improve regional self‑sufficiency[2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Kim opens a hospital and light‑industry factories in Nampho’s Ryonggang County, completing facilities slated for 20 cities and counties this year and signalling a new phase of socialist construction[2].
Jan 8, 2026 – State media omits any celebration of Kim Jong‑un’s birthday, instead highlighting preparations for the upcoming ninth Workers’ Party Congress, indicating a strategic shift to prioritize political milestones over personal festivities[1].
Jan 9, 2026 – Kim orders a 2.5‑fold expansion of a major munitions factory producing tactical guided weapons, directing officials to boost capacity as part of a wider weapons‑modernization drive[1].
Jan 9, 2026 – He breaks ground on the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats for overseas military operations, calling the fallen soldiers “an eternal cornerstone for Pyongyang” and using the site to legitimize the regime’s narrative[1].
Jan 9, 2026 – In a letter to President Vladimir Putin, Kim pledges “unconditional respect and support for all Putin policies and decisions,” promising to stand with Russia “for the sake of Russia” and cementing the alliance[1].
Jan 9, 2026 – The Rodong Sinmun denounces Japan’s 9.04 trillion‑yen defense budget as a plot to “revive militaristic past” and “reinvasion,” framing regional security developments as hostile threats[1].
Late 2026 (expected) – The ninth Workers’ Party Congress is slated for later in 2026; the Rodong Sinmun urges an “all‑out public effort” to finish major projects before the congress, where a new development plan is anticipated to be unveiled[3][1].