North Korea revealed plans to enhance its nuclear force both in quality and quantity as part of efforts toward military modernization and increased combat readiness. The decision came during an enlarged meeting of the ruling party's central military commission held on or around July 9-10, 2026 [1, 2].
The government’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the country had decided on measures to strengthen its nuclear forces "quantitatively and qualitatively" [3]. Kim Jong Un stressed that the nation’s peace and security could only come with a "strong army" and the containment of all threats [2].
In addition to nuclear expansion, North Korea intends to upgrade the technical infrastructure of its combat systems and speed up the construction of modern naval bases, including facilities for its 5,000-tonne naval destroyer Kang Kon [2].
Pyongyang also plans to substantially increase the functions and roles of its military intelligence agency responsible for South Korea. This includes boosting reconnaissance and espionage capabilities to a significant degree [1].
While North Korea rejects the denuclearization efforts proposed by the United States and its allies, it argues that the international focus should instead be on the alleged nuclear ambitions of South Korea, Japan, and NATO members [3]. The regime views South Korea as its "most hostile enemy" and has dismissed dovish proposals from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung [1].
Following the NATO summit on July 11, North Korea condemned the event and called for nuclear disarmament efforts to target the nuclear capabilities of U.S. allies, highlighting its critical stance toward the alliance [3]. That summit had announced more than US$50 billion in military procurement agreements by NATO members [3].
