North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has instructed munitions factories to significantly expand and modernize missile production capabilities in the coming year. This directive follows a recent inspection of a nuclear submarine construction project, signaling a continued focus on bolstering the nation’s military might.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim, accompanied by senior officials, emphasized the need for munitions plants to be prepared to meet the future demands of the country’s missile and artillery forces. He stressed the critical importance of enhancing production capacity to satisfy the growing requirements of the armed forces, further directing the construction of new ammunition manufacturing facilities.
Kim underscored that the missile and shell production sector holds paramount importance in strengthening the nation’s deterrent capabilities. This announcement comes amid a notable increase in North Korea’s missile testing activities in recent years.
Analysts suggest that these tests are designed to refine precision strike capabilities and challenge the United States and South Korea. There are also speculations that North Korea is using these tests to examine the weapons’ capabilities before potentially exporting them to Russia.
During his visits, Kim reportedly reviewed draft documents outlining upgrade plans for key munitions factories. These plans are slated for presentation at a major party conference scheduled for early 2026, where North Korea’s five-year development plan will be formulated.
Prior to the factory visits, Kim inspected the construction of a new 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine, accompanied by his daughter, who is widely considered his likely successor. State media reported that Kim toured the submarine facility and pledged to counter the perceived threat posed by South Korea’s production of similar submarines. He also reviewed a plan to reorganize the naval forces and develop new underwater strategic weapons, though specific details were not disclosed.
The leader’s recent activities suggest a continued commitment to advancing North Korea’s military arsenal and strategic capabilities. The emphasis on increased missile production and the development of novel underwater weaponry underscore the nation’s evolving defense posture.
