 North Korea's leader has ordered the military to be ready to completely destroy the United States and South Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered his military to thoroughly annihilate the United States and South Korea if provoked, state media reported, after he vowed to boost national defenses to cope with what he called an unprecedented US-led confrontation. Kim is expected to ramp up weapons tests in 2024 ahead of the US presidential election Many experts say he likely believes his expanded nuclear arsenal would allow him to rest US concessions if former President Donald Trump is re-elected. In a five-day major ruling party meeting last week, Kim said he will launch three more military spy satellites, produce more nuclear materials and develop attack drones this year in what observers say is an attempt to increase his leverage in future diplomacy with the US. In a meeting on Sunday with commanding army officers, Kim said it is urgent to sharpen the treasured sword to safeguard national security and apparent reference to his country's nuclear weapons program. He cited the US and other hostile forces' military confrontation moves according to the official Korean Central News Agency. Kim stressed that our army should deal a deadly blow to thoroughly annihilate them by mobilizing all the toughest means and potentialities without moments' hesitation. If they opt for military confrontation and provocations against North Korea, KCNA said. Experts say small-scale military clashes between North and South Korea could happen this year along their heavily armed border. They say North Korea is also expected to test launch intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the mainland US and other major new weapons.