North Korea in September 2026: the most important developments in security
In September 2026, North Korea's security news centred on missile launches and the expansion of its navy. On September 20 North Korea fired ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and Japan's defense authorities. Two projectiles were launched within about three hours, one described as a short-range ballistic missile, and Japan said they landed outside its exclusive economic zone. No damage or injuries were reported. On September 22 North Korea said it had tested a new hypersonic weapon, and Kim Jong Un hailed the test as a success. Earlier, on September 12, South Korea's Joint Chiefs reported multiple short-range ballistic missiles fired toward the East Sea, and North Korea described launches as a live-fire drill. Pyongyang said on September 17 and again on September 24 that it will never give up its nuclear weapons.
On September 7 North Korea commissioned its second Choe Hyon-class destroyer, the Kang Gon, with Kim attending and speaking about strengthening nuclear forces. The ceremony took place as the United States, South Korea and Japan began a joint exercise. Kim vowed a nuclear-armed navy. Reports also said North Korean workers in Russia are producing military drones, and a Russia-North Korea bridge opened. South Korea's spy agency said Kim may have another child and, on September 30, that he is extremely obese.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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