Kim Jong Un Orders Missile Surge, Unveils 8,700-ton Nuclear Submarine Amid Deepening Russia Ties

North Korea is ending the year with a clear message: more weapons. Leader Kim Jong Un has ordered a ramp-up in missile and artillery production and revealed the construction of what's reported to be an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered submarine. The moves appear calculated to increase pressure on the United States and South Korea while showcasing a deepening military alliance with Russia.

Expanding the Arsenal for a 'Busy Year'

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday, December 26, Kim told munitions factories to prepare for a busy year ahead. He stated that the country's missile and shell production sector is of "paramount importance in bolstering war deterrent" and ordered the construction of new plants to expand overall capacity. A day earlier, Kim was also reported to have overseen the test-launch of new-type high-altitude long-range anti-air missiles over the Sea of Japan.

The 8,700-Tonne Nuclear Submarine

The centerpiece of the recent announcements was the visit to a shipyard to inspect a new nuclear-powered submarine. Photos released by KCNA showed Kim, accompanied by his daughter and senior officials, inspecting a massive, burgundy-colored vessel. North Korea reports it will be an 8,700-tonne vessel capable of launching surface-to-air missiles. Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, wrote in a report that the hull's design indicates a nuclear reactor and that the vessel is almost ready to sail.

During the inspection, Kim warned that South Korea's plans to build its own nuclear-powered submarines would "worsen the instability" in the region. At a summit in November, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had asked US President Donald Trump for support, with Trump later saying the US was open to sharing technology.

The Russia Connection

Analysts say Kim's recent focus on military production is aimed not only at pressuring Washington and Seoul but also at testing weapons systems for potential export to Russia. Ties between Pyongyang and Moscow have tightened since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. North Korea has reportedly sent artillery shells and missiles to support Russian forces. In exchange, Russia has reportedly provided military technology, financial aid, food, and energy. Ahn Chan-il, a researcher, said Pyongyang was expected to "seek advanced military technologies from Russia, including nuclear-powered submarine capabilities and fighter jets."