North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to boost national defense amid rising tensions with the U.S. and South Korea. In a recent party meeting, he announced intentions to launch more military spy satellites and develop nuclear materials and attack drones. The leader stated that he will “thoroughly annihilate” the U.S. and South Korea in response to any military confrontation and provocations.
At the same time, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced plans to strengthen the country’s military capabilities as a response to the North Korean nuclear threat.
North Korea’s actions have led to increased joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea. Kim’s attempts to strengthen relationships with China and Russia have also faced difficulties after the U.S. and its partners in the U.N. Security Council have tried to impose sanctions.
While North Korea has conducted more than 100 missile tests since 2022, experts note that it still faces technological hurdles in developing nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles. The country is suspected of supplying conventional weapons for Russia’s war in Ukraine in exchange for Russian military technologies.
