North Korea to build new munitions factories as missile demand rises

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered officials to increase North Korea missile production and build new munitions factories to meet the growing needs of the country’s armed forces, state media reported on Friday.

The directive was issued during Kim’s visit to several munitions factories, where he was accompanied by senior officials, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). 

The visit focused on preparations for what authorities described as an intensive production period ahead.

KCNA reported that Kim said factories needed “to further expand the overall production capacity” to meet military demand and instructed officials to construct additional munitions plants.

“The missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent,” Kim said.

The push to expand North Korea missile production comes as Pyongyang has sharply increased missile testing in recent years. Analysts say the tests are aimed at improving strike accuracy, countering the United States and South Korea, and assessing systems that could later be exported.

ALSO READ: Myanmar junta defies critics, prepares for elections to legitimise power

North Korea and Russia have strengthened ties since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. Pyongyang has sent troops to support Russia, along with artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems.

In return, analysts say Russia is sending North Korea financial aid, military technology, and food and energy supplies. 

The United States has also cited evidence that Russia is increasing its support, including assistance with advanced space and satellite technology.

Analysts note that satellite launch vehicles and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) rely on similar core technologies.

“With its ICBM program already at a stage widely seen as having achieved core objectives, Pyongyang is likely to further accelerate development next year,” said Ahn Chan-il, a researcher originally from North Korea.

The country is expected to shift its “focus toward testing and producing systems linked to potential exports to Russia — including medium- and intermediate-range missiles,” he added