Kim to Boost Missile Output, Reviews Secret Underwater Weapons Projects

DID Press: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered a significant increase in the production of missiles and ammunition, saying the country must strengthen its “war deterrence” as regional security tensions intensify. He also inspected what state media described as classified underwater weapons projects, including the construction of a strategic nuclear-powered submarine.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim toured several missile and munitions factories and directed military and industrial officials to expand production capacity to meet what he called the growing demands of the armed forces.

Kim urged defense enterprises to upgrade facilities and accelerate output, stressing that boosting missile and ammunition production is central to ensuring full readiness in the year ahead. He said the sector should enter a “productive boom” through targeted planning and higher efficiency.

During separate visits to naval research and design centers, Kim was briefed on the development of new “secret underwater weapons.” KCNA reported that he inspected a nuclear-powered submarine under construction with a displacement of about 8,700 tons, which is expected to be equipped with strategic guided missiles.

The North Korean leader also issued strategic guidance for a major overhaul of the navy’s structure, calling for a focus on advanced technologies such as tactical nuclear weapons for underwater use and unmanned systems. Analysts say the moves underscore Pyongyang’s effort to build a multi-layered deterrence capability across land and sea.

KCNA provided no timeline for deployment of the new systems, but the announcements come amid heightened military activity on the Korean Peninsula and ongoing concerns about North Korea’s expanding weapons programs.