Missile Test Sets Stage for Expanded Nuclear Doctrine in North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to reveal a new phase in the country’s nuclear strategy at an upcoming congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, according to state media.

The highly anticipated party meeting — the first in five years — is expected in the coming weeks and will outline what Kim described as “next-stage plans” to strengthen North Korea’s nuclear deterrent.

Kim made the remarks while overseeing a ballistic missile test on Tuesday, during which a “large-caliber” multiple rocket launcher fired four missiles. He was joined by senior officials and his young daughter, believed to be named Ju Ae.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim said the test would cause “excruciating mental agony” for forces seeking military confrontation with Pyongyang. Despite challenges in development, he called the test a major step toward enhancing the country’s strategic deterrence.

State media reported that the rockets struck targets approximately 358.5 kilometers away, landing in waters off the Sea of Japan. Japanese media later confirmed that two missiles fell outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Defense analysts say the upcoming party congress will likely mark a shift from developing nuclear capability to maximizing its operational use. Experts note that Kim has historically used party meetings to declare milestones in North Korea’s weapons programs.

The launch marked Pyongyang’s second missile test this month, following another firing just ahead of a diplomatic trip by South Korea’s president to China. The test also came amid heightened tensions after a senior Pentagon official praised Seoul as a key U.S. ally.

The United States continues to station roughly 28,500 troops in South Korea, a presence Pyongyang condemns, along with joint U.S.–South Korea military drills, which it views as invasion rehearsals.