North Korea has reiterated its commitment to an "irreversible" nuclear weapons program and designated South Korea as its "most hostile state" during recent political gatherings.
Leader Kim Jong Un recently observed a ground jet test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine, which state media claims is for weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. These developments occurred amidst a Workers' Party Congress and a Supreme People's Assembly session, where economic plans and defense allocations were approved, and diplomatic stances toward the United States, Russia, and China were outlined.
Nuclear and Military Developments
Kim Jong Un affirmed North Korea's intent to permanently establish and consolidate its status as a nuclear power, stating that this status is "absolutely irreversible." He rejected the concept of nuclear disarmament in exchange for economic benefits or security guarantees, asserting that nuclear weapons are crucial for national security, deterring conflict, and ensuring the state's existence. Kim expressed pride in the expansion of nuclear weapons and missile capabilities, characterizing it as a necessary decision against perceived threats and "hegemonic pursuits" by "imperialists."
Upgraded Solid-Fuel Engine Test
State media reported that Kim Jong Un recently observed a ground jet test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine. The country claims this engine is for strategic weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland and that its development significantly enhances North Korea's strategic military capabilities. The engine reportedly utilizes a composite carbon fiber material and achieved a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons, an increase from approximately 1,970 kilonewtons reported in a similar test in September.
This test is part of North Korea’s five-year arms build-up plan to upgrade its 'strategic strike means,' a term encompassing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and other weapons. Solid-propellant missiles are generally considered more agile, mobile, and harder to detect than liquid-fuel counterparts.
Expert Analysis and Future Capabilities
Some experts have expressed skepticism regarding North Korea's claims, noting that key information, such as the engine’s total combustion time, was not disclosed. A previous solid-fuel engine test in September was described as the ninth and final ground test for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) engine, though no ICBM launch using that engine has been observed since. This has led to suggestions of potential delays in North Korea's solid-fuel engine program or a decision to develop an improved engine, possibly with Russian assistance.
Observers suggest that more powerful and efficient solid-fuel engines would enable North Korea to develop smaller ICBMs launchable from submarines or mobile land vehicles, and could support efforts to equip missiles with multiple warheads to potentially overcome U.S. defenses.
Five-Year Arms Build-Up Plan
During the Workers' Party Congress, Kim Jong Un called for the development of new weapons systems, including ICBMs deployable from underwater platforms and an expanded arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons, such as artillery and short-range missiles, specifically targeting South Korea.
Further goals outlined for the next five years include faster production of nuclear warheads, artificial intelligence-equipped attack drones, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, more advanced reconnaissance satellites, and unspecified weapons to target enemy satellites. The military is also expected to deploy more nuclear-capable artillery systems against South Korea in phases and intensify efforts to fortify the inter-Korean border.
Political Gatherings and Economic Policy
Supreme People's Assembly Session
The Supreme People’s Assembly, North Korea's parliament, concluded a two-day session on a Monday. During this session, a revised constitution was passed, though specific amendments were not detailed by state media.
Observers anticipated these revisions might formalize South Korea as a perpetual adversary and eliminate allusions to shared nationhood.
The Assembly also passed legislation endorsing a new five-year economic plan and approved a 2026 state budget that allocates 15.8% of total expenditure to defense, with explicit funding for expanding nuclear deterrence and war-fighting capabilities. Kim Jong Un was reappointed as the head of the State Affairs Commission.
Workers' Party Congress and Economic Outlook
Separately, the ruling Workers' Party Congress opened on a Thursday and concluded with a military parade in Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un was re-elected as the General Secretary of the Workers' Party. Delegates credited Kim with developing the country's nuclear arsenal and strengthening its regional standing. The congress saw a new roster for the powerful Central Committee, indicating a generational shift in leadership.
Kim outlined domestic and foreign policies for the next five years, emphasizing economic development through "self-sustenance" and mass mobilization. Economically, North Korea, described by international assessments as one of the world's poorest countries, faces sanctions, chronic shortages, and a population reliant on state rations. However, some South Korean analysts suggest the North's economy may have improved over the past five years, attributed to a gradual recovery in trade with China and an industrial boost from arms exports to Russia.
The Political Bureau of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee also approved the opening of the Ninth Congress of the WPK in Pyongyang in late February 2026. This future congress is expected to be a platform for further policy announcements and potentially a declaration regarding the completion of the nation's nuclear capability.
International Relations
Relations with South Korea
Kim Jong Un reiterated a hard-line stance toward South Korea, labeling it the “most hostile state.” These statements mark a continuation of Pyongyang’s firm stance since Kim’s 2024 declaration to abandon the long-standing objective of peaceful unification with the South, effectively redefining relations as those between two hostile states.
He stated that North Korea has "absolutely no business dealing with South Korea" and would "permanently exclude" it from the notion of a shared nation, warning that any infringement on North Korea's sovereignty would be met "mercilessly without hesitation or restraint."
South Korea's presidential office commented that Kim's declaration is undesirable for peaceful coexistence on the Korean peninsula, while its Unification Ministry expressed regret but affirmed its commitment to pursuing peace. Kim's rhetoric also demonstrated concern over South Korean cultural influence, initiating strict campaigns to prevent its spread among North Koreans.
Relations with the United States
Kim Jong Un accused the United States of global 'state terrorism and aggression,' interpreted as referencing the conflict in the Middle East. He indicated that North Korea would adopt a more assertive role in a unified opposition against Washington. Kim stated that North Korea is prepared to respond to any choice made by its adversaries, whether it be 'confrontation or peaceful coexistence.'
He signaled a willingness for dialogue with Washington, conditional on the U.S. abandoning demands for North Korea's nuclear disarmament, recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power, and ceasing its "hostile policy," which typically refers to U.S.-led sanctions and pressure. Diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang has stalled since the collapse of Kim’s second summit with then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019 due to disagreements over sanctions.
Some analysts suggest Kim may adopt a more cautious approach toward Washington in the future to maintain opportunities for dialogue, with the objective of obtaining U.S. sanctions relief and implicit recognition as a nuclear state.
Relations with Russia and China
Kim's foreign policy has recently prioritized Russia, involving the dispatch of military equipment to support Moscow's actions in Ukraine, potentially in exchange for aid and military technology. Cooperation between North Korea and Russia has increased in recent years, with a mutual defense treaty signed in 2024. The Supreme People's Assembly received a congratulatory message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who commended Kim’s leadership and pledged to deepen a comprehensive strategic partnership.
North Korea has also strengthened relations with China, its primary ally and economic partner, including a September summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and aligning with a united front against Washington.