North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a test launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles and has called for the “unlimited and sustained” development of the country’s nuclear combat forces, according to state media. The development comes as North Korea prepares for an important ruling party congress scheduled for early 2026.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Monday that Kim personally observed the missile test and expressed satisfaction with the results. According to the report, the cruise missiles flew along a preset orbit over the sea west of the Korean Peninsula before successfully hitting their target. KCNA said Kim was pleased as the missiles “flew along their orbit, set above the sea west of the Korean Peninsula, and hit their target.”

The missile launch took place on Sunday and was the latest in a series of public activities by Kim Jong Un. These events appear to be aimed at highlighting North Korea’s military strength and economic progress ahead of the next party congress. The congress, expected to be held in early 2026, will outline a new five-year development plan for the country.

During the missile test, Kim stressed the importance of maintaining and improving North Korea’s nuclear deterrent. He said that “checking the reliability and rapid response of the components of [North Korea’s] nuclear deterrent on a regular basis … [is] just a responsible exercise,” especially as the country “is facing various security threats.” Kim also made it clear that Pyongyang would continue to strengthen its nuclear capabilities, saying the country would devote “all their efforts to the unlimited and sustained development of the state nuclear combat force,” according to KCNA.

KCNA did not provide details about the exact location from which the missiles were launched. However, South Korea’s state news agency Yonhap reported on Monday that South Korea’s military detected the launch of multiple missiles from the Sunan area near Pyongyang on Sunday morning. Yonhap also warned that North Korea may carry out additional missile tests before the end of the year.

In a separate report released on Thursday, KCNA said that Kim Jong Un had also inspected a large “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine” that is currently under construction. The submarine reportedly weighs around 8,700 tonnes. During the inspection, Kim warned that South Korea’s plan to build nuclear-powered submarines would pose a serious threat to North Korea’s security and said it “must be countered.”

This was the first time North Korean state media had released images of the submarine since March. Earlier images had mainly shown the lower parts of the vessel, but the latest report provided a clearer look at the project. During the Thursday event, Kim was accompanied by his daughter, who has been described as a possible successor. He also oversaw the test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles on the same occasion.

Over the past month, Kim has attended several public events, including the opening of factories and hotels. These appearances are part of a broader effort to show progress as North Korea works to complete its current five-year development plan. The plan is set to conclude before the ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, which is expected to take place in early 2026.

North Korea’s recent military activities follow earlier missile tests as well. Last November, the country conducted a ballistic missile test slightly more than a week after United States President Donald Trump, during a tour of the region, expressed interest in meeting Kim Jong Un. Pyongyang did not respond to that offer. Around the same time, Trump had approved South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine.

Since Kim’s 2019 summit with Trump collapsed over disagreements on the scope of denuclearisation and sanctions relief, North Korea has repeatedly declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state. Kim has also appeared more confident on the global stage, especially after strengthening ties with Russia. He has secured critical support from Moscow after sending thousands of North Korean troops to fight alongside Russian forces in the war in Ukraine.

These recent missile tests and military inspections underline North Korea’s continued focus on strengthening its defence capabilities as it moves toward a key political moment in 2026.