North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has indicated that Pyongyang will press ahead with expanding its missile and weapons capabilities over the next five years, according to a report released by state media on Friday.

During recent inspections of major munitions enterprises toward the end of 2025, Kim described the missile and artillery production sector as critical to strengthening the country’s war deterrence, the Korean Central News Agency said.

The report added that Kim approved draft plans aimed at modernising key arms factories. These proposals are expected to be presented at an important ruling party congress scheduled for early 2026, where North Korea is set to unveil its next five-year national development strategy.

The announcement comes a day after Pyongyang disclosed images of Kim supervising work on a new 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine alongside his daughter, who has been widely viewed as a possible future successor. The disclosure also followed tests of long-range surface-to-air missiles, underscoring what analysts see as North Korea’s continued focus on advancing its military capabilities despite international pressure.