Nuclear Expansion and Naval Modernization: North Korea Unveils Its New Military Strategy
North Korea has unveiled the key elements of its military strategy for the coming period, including the expansion of its nuclear arsenal and the modernization of its navy.
The measures form part of Pyongyang’s broader efforts to modernize its armed forces and enhance their combat readiness, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday.
The agency reported that the meeting approved plans to modernize the technical infrastructure of combat systems, expand and strengthen the country’s nuclear capabilities, standardize military bases, and upgrade their facilities.
According to KCNA, the military measures adopted during the meeting include a decision to “strengthen nuclear capabilities both quantitatively and qualitatively, while advancing the plan to standardize, specialize, and modernize military bases.”
The agency further stated that “the technical infrastructure of combat systems will be upgraded,” while Pyongyang will also “accelerate the construction of modern naval bases.”
KCNA also reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told participants at the meeting that the country’s security and safety can only be guaranteed through “a strong military” capable of confronting all threats.
Earlier this month, Kim personally oversaw weapons tests conducted on the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon and pledged to equip the North Korean navy with nuclear weapons.
North Korea technically remains at war with neighboring South Korea, as the conflict fought between 1950 and 1953 ended with an armistice agreement rather than a formal peace treaty.
