Kim is expected to outline the next phase of North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme when he opens a rare congress of the ruling Workers' Party in the coming days. The 600 mm multiple-launch rocket system took centre stage as preparations intensified for the once-in-five-years gathering, widely regarded as North Korea’s most important political event. Kim ordered the expansion and modernisation of missile production in the months leading up to the Workers’ Party congress. The political showcase is expected to outline North Korea’s foreign policy, war planning, and nuclear ambitions for the next five years. Kim said in late January that the gathering would detail “next-stage plans” for developing North Korea’s nuclear forces.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 19, 2026 17:09 UTC