Kim Jong Un Calls for More Nuclear Weapons for North Korea

On November 3, 2024, the U.S. joined South Korea and Japan in joint air drills that featured the deployment of a B-1B bomber to the region. This exercise was a direct response to North Korea’s launch of the Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which set a record for the longest flight time of any missile fired by North Korea to date. South Korean F-15K and KF-16 jets, along with Japanese F-2 fighters, participated in the drill, underscoring a strong trilateral defense posture aimed at deterring North Korean threats. The South Korean military highlighted that the exercises reaffirm the commitment of the ROK-U.S. alliance to extended deterrence against North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile programs. This marked the fourth time in 2024 that the U.S. utilized a strategic bomber in exercises around the Korean Peninsula.

Building on these air drills, a larger multidomain military exercise took place from November 13, 2024, near South Korea’s Jeju Island. Spanning three days, the exercise involved both naval and aerial operations in international waters and was designed to strengthen interoperability among the U.S., Japanese, and South Korean forces. This drill, part of the ongoing “Freedom Edge” series, emphasized collaboration across multiple domains, including air, sea, and cyber operations. The “Freedom Edge” series began earlier in June 2024, reflecting the nation’s commitment to deepening trilateral cooperation amid mounting regional threats.

These exercises come against the backdrop of heightened concerns over North Korea’s growing military capabilities, particularly its nuclear ambitions and increasingly frequent missile tests. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has justified these actions as defensive measures against perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies. The situation is further complicated by reports of North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia, adding another layer of complexity to an already tense geopolitical environment.

By conducting these drills, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea aim to project a unified front, signaling their shared resolve to address security challenges posed by North Korea’s aggressive actions. The enhanced military cooperation among these nations highlights their strategic alignment in deterring potential threats in the region.

The United States has criticized Kim’s statement as a continuation of North Korea’s “unchangeable” hostile policy. Secretary of State Antony Blinken labeled North Korea’s missile tests as “illegal and reckless,” reaffirming the U.S. commitment to enhancing military cooperation with South Korea and Japan. Together, the three nations have strengthened military drills and readiness, emphasizing that any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea would provoke a decisive response, potentially leading to the downfall of Kim’s regime. This united front is intended to deter further nuclear escalation by Pyongyang.

In addition to military preparedness, the U.S. and its allies have condemned North Korea for violating United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly through its reported arms transfers to Russia. A joint statement from nations including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the UK, and the EU criticized these actions as illegal and a threat to global security. The alliance has signaled its intention to impose further sanctions and maintain international pressure on North Korea.

South Korea has taken a firm stance, with President Yoon Suk Yeol warning that any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea would prompt a strong military response from both South Korea and the U.S. Yoon described the growing nuclear threat as a critical challenge to regional stability. Japan has echoed these concerns, actively participating in joint military exercises with the U.S. and South Korea to bolster security in the face of potential aggression from Pyongyang.

Kim’s nuclear ambitions have raised global alarm, with many analysts suggesting that his strategy is designed to pressure the U.S. into recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power while securing economic concessions from a position of strength. However, organizations like the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) have urged restraint from all parties, warning that every new threat or missile test increases the risk of catastrophic conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

Kim Jong Un’s push to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal has drawn sharp criticism worldwide. The response has included heightened military preparedness, diplomatic condemnation, and strengthened regional security measures. While efforts to deter further provocations continue, the international community remains deeply concerned about the potential for conflict and instability in the region.