PYONGYANG — North Korea has opened its “Defence Development 2025” exhibition in Pyongyang for the third consecutive year, showcasing the country’s latest military advancements, state media reported Sunday. The event highlights North Korea’s efforts to modernize its armed forces, with nuclear capabilities at the core of its strategy.
Kim Jong-un’s Address
In a speech at the exhibition, leader Kim Jong-un described the event as “the results of important projects to put the structure of the DPRK’s military capabilities on an increasingly modern, advanced footing.”
He criticized South Korea and the United States for conducting drills based on nuclear operational scenarios and for expanding defense assets in the region. Kim warned:
“Whether the South Korean territory can ever become a safe place is for them to judge themselves.”
Kim added that North Korea has taken “clear measures” to protect its security and assigned “special assets” to strategic targets. Analysts interpret these comments as signaling that North Korea has prepared its newly developed weapon systems for potential deployment in a crisis.
Weapons Displayed
The exhibition unveiled several new weapons systems, according to an analysis by South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon. Key highlights include:
- Hwasong-11Ma hypersonic short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)
- New submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)
- Anti-submarine missile
- Supersonic cruise missile
A military source said further analysis is needed, but preparations appear to be complete for using these systems against strategic targets in the event of a conflict.
Regional Reactions
In response to Kim’s remarks, South Korea’s presidential office urged North Korea to pursue dialogue and cooperation to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and within the international community.
Kim stressed the importance of maintaining a balance of power, noting that the U.S.-South Korea nuclear alliance is rapidly evolving and strategic measures have been taken accordingly.
Implications
The exhibition underscores North Korea’s ongoing military ambitions amid heightened regional tensions. Analysts warn that the display of hypersonic and supersonic missiles marks a significant escalation in Pyongyang’s capabilities, potentially altering strategic calculations for both Seoul and Washington.
