North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to bolster the nation’s military strength by launching three more military spy satellites, producing additional nuclear materials, and introducing modern attack drones by 2024. These remarks were made during a pivotal ruling Workers’ Party meeting that aimed to establish state goals for the upcoming year.
Kim believes that enhancing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities would provide an opportunity for high-stakes diplomacy with the United States, potentially leading to sanctions relief. He particularly hopes for a favorable outcome if former President Donald Trump returns to the White House. Kim cited “vicious” anti-North Korea actions by the US and its allies as the main impetus behind these intensified war preparations.
The North Korean leader has issued orders to launch three new military spy satellites in the next year, as well as the development of a reliable foundation for increasing the country’s nuclear arsenal. Furthermore, Kim emphasized the need to enhance submarine capabilities and explore the use of armed drones and other modern unmanned combat equipment.
Experts speculate that North Korea is potentially waiting to assess the provocations it can undertake under the next US administration after the presidential election. The focus on modernizing the nation’s nuclear arsenal follows a breakdown in diplomacy with former President Trump in 2019. If President Joe Biden is reelected, North Korea is unlikely to achieve its desired outcomes, while a Trump win could potentially revive diplomatic efforts.
This year, North Korea may conduct more test-launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States. In addition, Kim made bellicose and derogatory remarks against South Korea, referring to it as a “hemiplegic malformation and colonial subordinate state.” These comments have drawn strong condemnation from South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which denounced North Korea for advancing its nuclear program and displaying hostility towards its neighbors.
Some analysts predict that limited clashes between North and South Korea along their tense border could occur in the coming year. North Korea is seeking to solidify cooperation with countries that oppose US-led Western dominance and labels them as “anti-imperialist, independent.” It has been striving to strengthen ties with Russia and China, both of which have blocked efforts to tighten United Nations sanctions on North Korea. South Korean officials believe that Russian support enabled North Korea to successfully launch its first spy satellite into orbit in November.
Estimates regarding the size of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal vary, ranging from 20 to 30 nuclear bombs to over 100. There are indications that North Korea may have already commenced the operations of a light-water reactor at its main nuclear complex, potentially securing a new source of weapons-grade plutonium.
Despite the focus on military advancements, Kim also highlighted North Korea’s economic achievements in areas such as agriculture, housing construction, and fisheries.
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”