The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has declared readiness to implement military and technical measures to counter what it describes as an escalating threat from the United States due to increased military presence on the Korean Peninsula. This was stated by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during the opening ceremony of the “Development of National Defense-2025” exhibition of Armed Forces equipment on October 5.
Kim Jong-un emphasized that the United States is employing “military buildup tactics” to expand its forces in South Korea and the surrounding region, creating a “real and serious security threat.” The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the DPRK highlighted the U.S. strengthening ties with the Republic of Korea while modernizing its military structure, including strategic intelligence, offensive, and defensive capabilities.
In response, the DPRK announced plans to introduce measures to counter the alleged threats. Kim Jong-un warned that continued U.S. military expansion would “further push us to implement appropriate military-technical measures to eliminate new threats and maintain the balance of power.”
Recent developments include reports that North Korea is preparing to deploy 250 missile launchers, with analysts noting such a force could overwhelm existing air and missile defense systems. Earlier statements from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized U.S. military activities near North Korea as “provocative,” urging a return to dialogue for regional stability.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung recently announced the final phase of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States, while also proposing restrictions on DPRK nuclear and ICBM development. Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un previously claimed North Korea had acquired “secret weapons” to bolster its military industry, with speculation pointing to the Hwasong-20 ICBM as a potential new asset.
