North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (KCNA)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pointed out on Sunday that the DPRK's ultimate goal is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear force, as he promoted dozens of military officers involved in the recent launch of North Korea's largest ballistic missile, KCNA reported.

Kim inspected on Friday a test of the DPRK's new Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and pledged to counter US nuclear threats with nuclear weapons.

According to Kim, the new ICBM clearly proved to the world that DPRK is a full-fledged nuclear power that can stand strong against US supremacy, KCNA reported.

The North Korean leader reiterated that building the nuclear force is for reliably protecting the dignity and sovereignty of the state and the people, pointing out that "its ultimate goal is to possess the world's most powerful strategic force, the absolute force unprecedented in the century."

Elsewhere, Kim described the Hwasong-17 as the "world's strongest strategic weapon," adding that it demonstrated the DPRK's resolve and ability to eventually build the world's strongest army.

He also pointed out that DPRK scientists have made a "wonderful leap forward in the development of the technology of mounting nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles."

KCNA reported that DPRK scientists, on their part, pledged to defend the "absolute authority" of Kim and vowed that "missiles will fly vigorously only in the direction" that he indicates.

It is noteworthy that last week, the military in Seoul reported that DPRK fired a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile that may have been able to reach the US mainland.