North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a munitions factory producing multiple rocket launchers, calling for expanded production of the system that can serve as a 'strategic attack means.' He urged a 'revolution in upgrading the artillery weapon system,' emphasizing its role as a primary strike capability. This inspection is part of intensified military-related visits ahead of next year's key party congress.
North Korean state media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported on December 30, 2025, that leader Kim Jong-un visited a major munitions industry enterprise on Sunday to review the production of weapons and combat equipment. The factory's location was not disclosed.
Kim noted that the multiple rocket launcher system will serve as the primary strike capability and called for a 'revolution in upgrading the artillery weapon system.' He stated, 'The weapon system, which will be used in large quantities for concentrated attack in military operations, is a super-powerful weapon system as it can annihilate the enemy through sudden precise strike with high accuracy and devastating power and can also be used as a strategic attack means.'
The reference to 'strategic' weapons suggests potential nuclear capabilities. KCNA described his field guidance as 'a new milestone of great importance in increasing the country's war deterrent in a practical way.'
Kim was accompanied by Jo Chun-ryong, a party secretary; Defense Minister No Kwang-chol; and Kim Jong-sik, the first vice director in charge of the munitions industry at the ruling party. This visit aligns with ramped-up military inspections ahead of the ninth party congress in early next year, including a site for building a nuclear-powered submarine and overseeing launches of anti-air missiles and cruise missiles.
At the congress, North Korea is expected to unveil its 'conventional-nuclear integration' strategy and emphasize military modernization. In the 2021 party congress, Kim unveiled a list of high-tech weapons to develop, including spy satellites, solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear-powered submarines.
