Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has announced plans to construct new munitions factories to enhance the country's missile and shell production capacity, emphasizing its importance in strengthening the nation's war deterrent capabilities, as reported by state media.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the announcement follows Kim's recent inspection of major munitions industry enterprises, where he reviewed the production of missiles and shells in the fourth quarter. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim's inspection did not specify the date or the locations of the factories. The decision to build new munitions factories is expected to be formalized at the upcoming party congress, highlighting the significance of modernizing the munitions industry.
Kim stated the necessity of meeting the demands of the Korean People's Army's missile and artillery forces by continuously modernizing the munitions industry through the establishment of new industry enterprises, according to KCNA. He emphasized that the production of missiles and shells is crucial for bolstering the country's war deterrent.
Accompanying Kim on his inspection were Jo Chun-ryong, a party secretary, and Kim Jong-sik, the first vice director responsible for the munitions industry at the Workers' Party of Korea. This inspection seems to be a preparation for reviewing the defense sector's accomplishments ahead of the ninth party congress scheduled for early next year.
Kim's consistent calls for increasing missile and shell production during his visits to key munitions factories have fueled speculation about potential weapons exports to Russia. North Korea has reportedly deployed approximately 15,000 troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, highlighting Kim's focus on modernizing conventional weapons and boosting combat capabilities.
The unification ministry in Seoul suggested that Kim's recent military inspections aim to internally promote achievements in the defense sector and justify efforts to strengthen North Korea's nuclear and defense capabilities.