Kim Jong Un Unveils 50 Nuclear-Capable Rocket Launchers Ahead of Workers' Party Congress

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a ceremony in Pyongyang where 50 KN-25 600mm multiple rocket launchers were formally presented to the Korean People's Army. The event took place on the plaza of the April 25th House of Culture, the same venue that will host the upcoming 9th Workers' Party Congress. State media photos showed Kim smiling in the driver's seat of one of the transporter-erector-launcher vehicles.

In his speech, Kim described the system as 'the most powerful in the world,' saying it has 'virtually no difference from a high-precision ballistic missile in terms of precision and power.' He said the launchers incorporate AI technology and compound guidance systems and are 'appropriate for a special attack, that is, for accomplishing a strategic mission' — language analysts interpret as a reference to nuclear capability. Kim also said the congress would 'declare the next phase of the self-reliant defense initiative.'

The KN-25 system has an estimated range of approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles), placing all of South Korea within reach. Analysts describe it as a hybrid between rocket artillery and a short-range ballistic missile. The ceremony coincided with a groundbreaking for a construction project in Pyongyang's Hwasong District.

Separately, Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong acknowledged a South Korean minister's apology over alleged civilian drone incursions from the South, calling it appreciated while warning that North Korea would strengthen border surveillance and respond with force to any recurrence. South Korea has denied government responsibility for the drone flights but is investigating three civilians suspected of involvement.

Most outlets focus on the visual spectacle — Kim driving the launcher — without adequately contextualizing the broader diplomatic picture. The 9th Workers' Party Congress is a pivotal event that will set North Korea's policy direction for five years, including potential leadership changes and foreign policy toward the US and China. This broader significance is underreported relative to the theatrical elements of the ceremony.

Also underreported: the simultaneous Kim Yo Jong statement acknowledging South Korea's drone apology, which represents a rare conciliatory note and could signal diplomatic openings. The potential Kim visit to China in April around a Trump-Xi summit — which could reshape Korean Peninsula diplomacy — receives almost no coverage in most outlets despite its potential significance.

Sensationalized framing of Kim's behavior — describing him as 'cackling maniacally' or a 'tyrant' — reinforces a dehumanizing narrative that can make diplomatic engagement appear politically unacceptable, potentially benefiting hardline voices opposed to US-North Korea talks. It also benefits media outlets seeking high-engagement content from a reliably provocative subject.

More neutral framing of the same events would highlight the diplomatic context: an upcoming congress, potential China diplomacy, and a rare conciliatory gesture from Kim Yo Jong — factors that could support arguments for renewed engagement, which benefits those advocating dialogue over confrontation.