North Korea has announced a series of steps aimed at boosting its nuclear capabilities both in size and sophistication, according to a report Friday from the country’s state-run news agency, KCNA.
The decisions were made during an expanded session of the Workers’ Party’s Central Military Commission on Thursday. During the meeting, leader Kim Jong Un pushed for a broad modernization of the country’s armed forces.
Kim stated that the nation’s security and what he described as “true peace” can only be achieved by developing a military strong enough to counter any threat it faces, KCNA reported.
The commission laid out a set of goals that include overhauling the technical infrastructure supporting combat systems, growing and reinforcing nuclear forces, and bringing military installations up to modern, standardized standards, according to the report.
Officials at the meeting also took up the question of broadening the responsibilities of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, the country’s military intelligence arm, with the goal of sharpening its ability to gather information and conduct surveillance.
Additionally, KCNA reported that the session covered plans to build new, modern naval facilities and boost the capacity of shipyards — moves the agency said reflect a significant shift in the importance and mission of North Korea’s navy.
