North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for stronger frontline military units and tougher border defences near South Korea, saying the measures are necessary to “more thoroughly deter war”.

According to North Korean state media KCNA, Kim made the remarks during a meeting on Sunday with commanders of divisions and brigades across the Korean People’s Army.

Kim Calls For ‘Impregnable Fortress’

Kim said frontline units stationed along the border with South Korea, as well as other major military formations, needed to become an “impregnable fortress”.

He stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance against the “arch enemy”, a term Pyongyang frequently uses for South Korea.

The two Koreas remain technically at war because the 1950–53 Korean War ended with an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty.

Focus On Modern Warfare

KCNA reported that Kim also called for changes to North Korea’s military training system.

He urged commanders to expand practical drills and update operational concepts to reflect the realities of modern warfare.

Analysts believe the comments may reflect lessons North Korea has drawn from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, including the growing use of drones, electronic warfare and precision strikes.

Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, said Kim’s comments suggested Pyongyang could strengthen both land and maritime border positions, including around the disputed Northern Limit Line.

South Korea Monitoring Situation

South Korea’s Unification Ministry said it appeared to be Kim’s first publicly reported meeting with division and brigade commanders since taking power.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korean troops had increased fortification work near the border since March, including the construction of walls and other defensive structures.

Seoul said it would continue efforts to manage military tensions while seeking to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula.

(with inputs from Reuters)