North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has unveiled plans to build new munitions factories to boost missile and shell production capacity. He stressed that expanding output is crucial for strengthening the country's war deterrent. The remarks came during his inspection of major munitions enterprises in the fourth quarter, with details to be finalized at the upcoming party congress.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for building new munitions factories to expand the production of missiles and shells, emphasizing that increased output is vital for bolstering the nation's war deterrent. During his visit to major munitions industry enterprises, where he inspected fourth-quarter missile and shell production, Kim stated, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), "In order to satisfy the prospective demands of the missile and artillery forces of the Korean People's Army, it is necessary to continuously raise the level of modernization of the munitions industry by establishing new munitions industry enterprises as planned." He added, "In particular, the missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent."
Accompanying Kim were Jo Chun-ryong, a Workers' Party of Korea secretary, and Kim Jong-sik, the party's first vice director for the munitions industry. The KCNA did not specify the date or locations of the inspection, but it appears aimed at reviewing defense sector accomplishments ahead of the ninth party congress planned for early next year. The previous day, state media reported Kim's tour of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine under construction.
Kim has repeatedly urged expanded missile and shell production during visits to key factories, fueling speculation about links to North Korea's weapons exports to Russia. Since dispatching around 15,000 troops to aid Russia's war in Ukraine, Kim has stressed modernizing conventional weapons and enhancing combat readiness. Seoul's unification ministry views these inspections as efforts to highlight internal defense achievements and justify pushes for stronger nuclear and military capabilities.
