The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un, North Korea's supreme leader, visited multiple weapons factories, ordering officials to upgrade missile production and expedite construction of new factories to keep pace with the military’s expanding needs. Analysts are watching closely, interpreting this as preparation to export weapons to assist Russia in the Ukraine conflict in exchange for advanced military technology.
During the inspection, Kim Jong Un emphasized that missile and artillery production sectors are of utmost importance in enhancing deterrence capabilities. He urged readiness for intensive work next year to expand overall production capacity to meet the demands of the North Korean military.
Analysts see three main goals behind this accelerated production: increasing precise strike capabilities to challenge the U.S. and South Korea, testing new weapons models, and most importantly, preparing to export weapons to Russia, North Korea’s key ally.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, North Korea and Russia have strengthened ties. North Korea has supplied missiles and artillery to Russia and also sent troops to fight on the Ukrainian battlefield.
Meanwhile, U.S. sources have clear evidence that Russia has reciprocated by providing North Korea with financial aid, food supplies, energy, and critically, advanced military technology—especially space and satellite technologies closely related to intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology.
This announcement to accelerate missile production came just one day after Kim inspected a nuclear submarine factory and pledged to counter the "threat" posed by South Korea’s submarine development supported by the U.S. KCNA also reported that the leader studied a new secret underwater weapons research project.
An Chan-il, a North Korea expert researcher, commented that North Korea is seeking further advanced military technology support from Russia, including nuclear-powered submarine capabilities and fighter jets, to address current shortcomings in its air force.
It is expected that North Korea will officially reveal its "plans for modernizing and upgrading its military" at the upcoming Workers' Party Congress scheduled for early 2026.
. AFP