Kim Jong Un Pledges to Expand Nuclear Arsenal Amid Nighttime Pyongyang Parade with Daughter

Pyongyang, North Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to strengthen his nation’s nuclear weapons program during a nighttime military parade in Pyongyang on Wednesday, as he appeared alongside his teenage daughter, widely believed to be Ju Ae.

State media reported that roughly 14,000 troops marched through Kim Il Sung Square, performing precise goose-stepping drills under floodlights, while fighter jets roared overhead. Despite the scale of the parade, there was a conspicuous absence of major weapons systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and hypersonic glide vehicles.

Nuclear Ambitions Highlighted Despite Scaled-Back Display

In his address at North Korea’s Ninth Workers’ Party Congress, Kim doubled down on the regime’s nuclear ambitions, describing expansion of the arsenal and improved delivery systems as the party’s “firm will.” He also highlighted plans for enhanced ICBM capabilities, submarine-launched weapons, drones, and AI integration.

While Kim left a conditional door open for talks with Washington, he emphasized that dialogue would depend entirely on the US accepting North Korea’s nuclear status and ending what the regime labels a “hostile policy.”

Family Spotlight and Leadership Signals

Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, stood prominently beside her father during the parade, fueling speculation about her potential future role, though no official titles were announced. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, was promoted to director of a key party department, consolidating her position within the inner circle.

Observers note that the parade’s heavy troop presence but minimal weapons display may have been deliberately staged to emphasize political discipline and domestic unity, while keeping North Korea’s most provocative military systems off-camera.

Strategic Context and Global Implications

The timing of the parade comes ahead of a planned US presidential visit to China, which could influence regional diplomacy. North Korea’s deepening alliance with Russia, including a 2024 “comprehensive strategic partnership” signed with President Vladimir Putin, further strengthens Pyongyang’s leverage, particularly as North Korean forces have been involved in propaganda-linked support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

State media emphasized loyalty, readiness, and unity, while Kim reiterated a warning that any violation of North Korea’s sovereignty would trigger immediate retaliatory strikes—a signal aimed at both domestic and international audiences.