Recent AI analysis of Nampo has identified construction activity consistent with the building of a new battleship. While enhancing its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, North Korea appears to be rapidly modernizing its conventional weapons systems, possibly with Russian assistance. Following Putin’s June 2024 visit to North Korea and the signing of a mutual defense treaty, Russia agreed to provide fighter jets and is believed to be supporting the construction of a new battleship.

These activities could be interpreted as compensation for North Korean participation in the war in Ukraine, and an attempt by Russia to expand its influence in Northeast Asia as a counter to the United States. It is predicted that North Korea will pursue a more hardline policy toward the new Trump administration, aiming to strengthen its negotiating position and diminish US influence on the peninsula.