North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered officials to significantly ramp up missile production and build additional munitions factories to meet the growing demands of the country’s military. The directive was issued during his visit to munitions facilities at an undisclosed location, according to a report by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
During the visit, Kim said the missile and artillery sector plays a critical role in strengthening North Korea’s war deterrent. He instructed officials to expand overall production capacity and prepare for a sharp increase in output in the coming year. KCNA reported that Kim emphasised the need to construct new factories to ensure the military’s operational requirements are met without delay.
North Korea has sharply increased its missile testing in recent years, a move analysts say is aimed at improving strike accuracy, enhancing deterrence against the United States and South Korea, and testing weapons that could later be exported. Pyongyang’s growing military activity comes amid its deepening ties with Russia following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Western officials and analysts say North Korea has supplied Russia with artillery shells, missiles and even troops, while Moscow has reportedly provided financial support, energy supplies and advanced military technology in return. The United States has also pointed to signs that Russia is assisting North Korea with space and satellite capabilities, areas closely linked to intercontinental ballistic missile development.
Experts believe Pyongyang’s missile programme has reached a stage where its core objectives are largely complete. According to analysts, the regime is now likely to accelerate production and testing of systems that could be exported, including medium- and intermediate-range missiles. This shift would align with North Korea’s growing defence cooperation with Russia.
Kim’s latest visit came a day after he inspected a facility linked to nuclear submarine development, where he warned of countering what he described as growing threats from South Korea and the United States. State media also reported that he reviewed research into new underwater weapons during the visit.
Analysts say North Korea may now be seeking advanced military technologies from Russia, including nuclear-powered submarine know-how and modern fighter aircraft, to compensate for weaknesses in its air force. Kim was also reported to have overseen a test launch of new high-altitude long-range air defence missiles over the Sea of Japan earlier this week.
According to KCNA, Kim plans to unveil new modernisation and production goals at the ruling Workers’ Party congress scheduled for early 2026, signalling that Pyongyang intends to further accelerate its military expansion in the coming years.
