Kim Jong Un on Nuclear Weapons
TL;DR
Kim Jong Un views North Korea's nuclear weapons status as irreversible, permanent, and central to the nation's long-term security doctrine.
Key Points
He declared the DPRK’s position as a nuclear weapons state to be irreversible and permanent at the 9th Party Congress in February 2026.
He supervised the test-firing of sea-to-surface “strategic cruise missiles” from a new naval destroyer, stating the arming of the Navy with nuclear weapons is progressing satisfactorily as of March 2026.
He stated that the future of North Korea–US relations depends entirely on the attitude of the US side, suggesting no concessions until US hostility ends.
Summary
Kim Jong Un has consistently framed North Korea’s status as a nuclear weapons state as non-negotiable and irreversible, cementing this position following the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea. At this meeting, he emphasized that the country has a long-term plan to increase both the number of nuclear weapons and the systems capable of delivering them, suggesting continued annual investment in its nuclear force. This doctrine prioritizes military modernization, viewing nuclear capability as the ultimate lifeline for regime security against external threats, particularly from the United States. He stated that relations with Washington are dependent on the American attitude, implying a recognition of Pyongyang’s nuclear standing is a prerequisite for improved ties.
This comprehensive strategy of layered deterrence combines nuclear forces with increasingly sophisticated conventional weapons, including new missile delivery platforms like naval cruise missiles tested from a new destroyer. The leader's insistence on strengthening the nuclear arsenal is framed as a necessity for defending maritime sovereignty and resisting perceived hegemonic policies. While maintaining a hardline stance toward South Korea, whom he excluded from the category of compatriots, he leaves a conditional, narrow opening for dialogue with the United States, provided they respect the DPRK’s established constitutional position as a nuclear state and abandon hostile policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kim Jong Un views nuclear weapons as the core foundation of North Korea's security doctrine, making the nation's status as a nuclear state permanent and irreversible. He is committed to a long-term plan to continually strengthen this nuclear force annually through increased numbers and better delivery systems.
The current reports indicate a hardening and consolidation of his existing stance rather than a change in fundamental belief. He plans for annual strengthening of the nuclear force, reaffirming that the current status will not be bargained away.
He tied the improvement of relations with the United States directly to Washington's attitude toward the DPRK's nuclear status. He indicated that North Korea will not initiate concessions but is willing to respond positively if the US withdraws its hostile policy.
Sources4
North Korea's nuclear ambitions are here to stay
North Korea's Kim oversees cruise missile tests from new naval destroyer
North Korea's Kim says relations with US depend on US attitude
Kim: N. Korea Nuclear Status Is Permanent, Acknowledging U.S. Hostility
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.