NORTH KOREA to Expand Both Nuclear and Conventional Forces, State Media Says

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via Reuters

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced that his country will intensify efforts to modernize both its nuclear arsenal and conventional military forces, according to state media reporting. The decision comes ahead of a major ruling party meeting, where a dual-pronged policy to strengthen all elements of North Korea’s military capabilities is expected to be formally approved.

Kim Jong Un emphasized during a recent inspection of weapons research facilities that Pyongyang will adopt a policy of "simultaneously pushing forward the building of nuclear forces and conventional armed forces." While the leader did not specify exactly when the upcoming party meeting will take place, his remarks signal a clear intention to combine nuclear deterrence with more robust conventional presence.

State media coverage stressed that the conventional forces will be modernized and expanded, suggesting that North Korea sees limitations in relying on nuclear weapons alone as a deterrent to external threats.

Analysts believe North Korea’s shift reflects increased confidence, partly due to its growing alignment with Russia. Over the past year, Moscow and Pyongyang have deepened strategic ties, including a mutual defense agreement. North Korea is reported to be assisting Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, supplying manpower and possibly receiving advanced military technology in return.

Seoul has expressed concern that these developments could accelerate North Korea’s military capabilities, especially if Russia transfers sensitive conventional arms or technological know-how. Military technology cooperation is likely to figure heavily in North Korea’s mid- to long-term modernization strategy as laid out at the forthcoming party meeting.

Unofficial experts note that while North Korea has long proclaimed itself an “irreversible” nuclear state, simultaneous investment in conventional forces underscores a shift toward more balanced, multi-dimensional military posture. As one senior analyst remarked, this move might be designed to better prepare North Korea for a wider range of conflict scenarios not just nuclear deterrence, but also conventional deterrents and rapid response capacity.

Observers warn that modern warfare demands versatile forces; hence, conventional force upgrades could include improved missile delivery systems, better surveillance, upgraded mechanized units, or enhanced mobility.

North Korea’s announcement confirms that it is pursuing a comprehensive military build-up that goes beyond nuclear power. By enhancing its conventional forces in parallel, Pyongyang appears to be preparing for a future where deterrence depends not just on nuclear capabilities, but on a full spectrum of military strength. The coming months and the ruling party meeting will be critical in revealing the detail, timeline, and scale of these new military ambitions.