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

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim issued the directive during visits to key munitions factories, where he was accompanied by senior party and military officials. The North Korean leader told factory managers to prepare for an intensive production schedule in the coming year.

Kim stressed the need “to further expand the overall production capacity” of the missile and artillery sector, KCNA reported, describing the industry as central to North Korea’s national defense strategy. “The missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent,” he was quoted as saying.

North Korea has sharply increased missile testing in recent years, including launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), cruise missiles, and short- and medium-range systems. Analysts say the tests are aimed at improving precision strike capabilities, deterring the United States and South Korea, and validating weapons systems that could potentially be exported.

Pyongyang’s military buildup has taken place alongside a deepening partnership with Russia since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. Western governments and intelligence agencies say North Korea has supplied Russia with large quantities of artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems, and has even sent troops to support Russian forces.

In return, analysts say Moscow has provided Pyongyang with financial assistance, food and energy supplies, and advanced military technologies. US officials have also accused Russia of helping North Korea with space and satellite technology, potentially enhancing Pyongyang’s reconnaissance and missile guidance capabilities.

Kim’s latest visit to munitions facilities was reported a day after KCNA said he toured a nuclear submarine construction site, where he vowed to counter what he described as the growing “threat” posed by South Korea’s plans to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines with US backing. During the visit, Kim was also briefed on research into what KCNA called “new underwater secret weapons,” suggesting further advances in North Korea’s naval and strategic capabilities.

Earlier this week, state media reported that Kim oversaw the test launch of new-type high-altitude, long-range anti-aircraft missiles over the Sea of Japan, in a demonstration of what Pyongyang claims is an improved air defense system.

Looking ahead, Kim said “new modernisation and production plans” would be announced at the first congress of the ruling Korean Workers’ Party in nearly five years, expected to take place in early 2026. The congress is widely anticipated to outline North Korea’s next phase of military, economic, and technological development amid ongoing international sanctions and heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Despite repeated condemnations from the United States, South Korea, and Japan, North Korea has shown no sign of slowing its weapons programs, instead framing them as essential measures for self-defense and regime survival in what it calls a hostile international environment. (ILKHA)