# North Korean military modernization efforts

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-korean-military-modernization-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-28T00:33:45.000Z. Sources: 55. Developments: 2.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has initiated a directive for a “Korean-style military revolution” aimed at transforming the Korean People's Army into a world-class force. During the Third Congress of Company Commanders in Pyongyang on October 22 and 23, Kim instructed that all army companies be converted into elite, self-sufficient, and independent combat units.

Kim emphasized that strengthening individual companies is the most efficient method for overall military transformation. He mandated that units must be “ideologically and spiritually purified,” technically proficient, and maintain strict discipline. The directive also calls for continuous and intensive training to ensure total combat readiness for warfare, which Kim described as a “primary revolutionary task.” He further instructed the military to accelerate this transformation based on the North Korean model while maintaining the army as an institution of the Party and ideology.

This military push occurs amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, following a recent incident in the Demilitarized Zone involving an explosion on September 21 that injured three South Korean soldiers. While Seoul attributed the explosion to North Korean landmines, Pyongyang has rejected those claims and has not responded to offers to resume military communications. Both nations have reported the matter to the UN Security Council.

## Claims

- Kim Jong Un ordered company commanders to ensure units are fully prepared for war. (reported by 7 sources)
- The Third Conference of Company Commanders took place in Pyongyang on October 22 and 23. (reported by 7 sources)
- Kim Jong Un called for a military transformation based on the North Korean model. (reported by 5 sources)
- An explosion occurred in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on September 21. (reported by 2 sources)
- The DMZ explosion injured three South Korean soldiers. (reported by 2 sources)
- Seoul blamed North Korea for the DMZ incident. (reported by 2 sources)
- North Korea denied responsibility for the DMZ incident. (reported by 2 sources)
- Both sides have reported the DMZ incident to the UN Security Council. (reported by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: Kim Jong Un orders North Korean military to prepare for war

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered military company commanders to intensify training and ensure full combat readiness for war during a high-level meeting in Pyongyang.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kim-jong-un-orders-full-war-readiness-for-north-korean-troops

### 2026-10-23: Kim Jong-un orders North Korean military revolution

Kim Jong-un has ordered a “military revolution” in North Korea, calling for all army companies to be transformed into elite combat units to build the world's strongest armed force.

46 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kim-jong-un-orders-north-korean-military-modernization

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Cite as: North Korean military modernization efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-korean-military-modernization-efforts