Kim Jong Un has ordered officials to ramp up missile production and construct additional munitions factories to meet the growing demands of North Koreas military, state media reported on Friday, December 26. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim issued the directive during visits to major munitions industry enterprises, where he was accompanied by senior officials. He told factory managers to prepare for what he described as a busy year ahead for weapons production. KCNA said Kim instructed officials to further expand the overall production capacity in order to keep pace with the needs of Pyongyangs armed forces and ordered the construction of new munitions plants. The missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent, Kim was quoted as saying. North Korea has sharply increased missile testing in recent years, a move analysts say is aimed at improving precision strike capabilities, challenging the United States and South Korea, and testing weapons systems potentially destined for export. Pyongyangs growing military activity comes amid deepening ties with Russia following Moscows invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. Analysts say North Korea has supplied Russia with troops, artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems, while receiving financial assistance, food, energy supplies and military technology in return. Washington has also pointed to evidence suggesting Russia is increasing support for North Korea, including assistance with advanced space and satellite technology. Analysts note that satellite launch systems share core technologies with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). 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 analyst added that the country may shift its focus toward producing weapons systems linked to potential exports to Russia, including medium- and intermediate-range missiles. Kims visit to the munitions factories was reported a day after state media said he toured a nuclear submarine facility, where he vowed to counter what he described as the threat posed by South Koreas plans to develop similar vessels with backing from the United States. KCNA also said Kim was briefed on research into new underwater secret weapons. North Korea is expected to seek additional advanced military technologies from Russia, including nuclear-powered submarine capabilities and fighter jets, as it works to address weaknesses in its air force, analysts say. KCNA further reported that Kim recently oversaw the test launch of new-type high-altitude long-range anti-air missiles over the Sea of Japan. He also announced that new modernisation and production plans would be unveiled at the first congress of the ruling Korean Workers Party in nearly five years, expected to take place in early 2026.The post North Koreas president, Kim Jong Un orders factories to make more missiles in 2026 appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
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