North Korea emphasises KPA company training amid combined-arms drills
North Korea test-fires an upgraded large-calibre multiple rocket launcher system in January 2026. Rocket artillery also featured in a separate KPA training exercise in September that co-ordinated artillery, missile and unmanned aerial vehicle strikes. (KCNA via KNS / AFP via Getty Images)
North Korea is seeking to intensify combat training for Korean People's Army (KPA) companies and make them capable of carrying out missions independently, as the wider force places increasing emphasis on combined-arms operations.
The company-level objective was discussed at the Third Meeting of KPA Company Leaders, held in Pyongyang on 22–23 October and attended by leader Kim Jong-un. State-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the KPA wanted companies to become “all-mission units capable of fulfilling any combat duty independently”.
KCNA described the company as the army's main combat unit and said the meeting assessed ways to improve its combat capability. Kim called the company “the main link” in strengthening the army, according to the news agency, and urged leaders to improve their units' military and technical capabilities.
Kim also emphasised discipline, unit management and soldiers' living conditions. Defence Minister Kim Song Gi told delegates that company leaders had made progress in implementing the ruling Workers' Party of Korea's policy of transforming training, KCNA reported.
Kim Song Gi's report reviewed developments since a 2019 meeting of company leaders and political instructors. KCNA said it examined “deviations to be overcome” in strengthening companies but did not identify them. Delegates also watched videos presenting company leaders' experience in intensifying what the agency called “actual war drills”.
KCNA said the videos offered methods for preparing companies to fulfil missions under adverse combat conditions. It did not identify the exercises shown or announce a new company training programme or outline equipment requirements.
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
