Kim Jong Un Orders Massive Expansion of North Korea's Missile and Shell Factories
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans for new munitions factories to boost missile and shell production, a move widely seen as linked to its weapons support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
North Korea's war machine is shifting into a higher gear. Leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a plan to build new munitions factories to dramatically expand the production of missiles and artillery shells, state media reported on December 26, 2025. While framed as a move to bolster the country's "war deterrent," the expansion is widely seen as a direct effort to supply Russia's ongoing war efforts.
Boosting Production for 'Deterrence'
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim made the remarks during a visit to major munitions enterprises in the fourth quarter. He stated that final plans for the new facilities will be decided at the upcoming Workers' Party congress early next year. The report did not specify the dates or locations of his inspection.
The missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent. It is necessary to continuously raise the level of modernization of the munitions industry by establishing new munitions industry enterprises as planned.
Deepening Ties with Russia
The announcement comes as North Korea has reportedly sent around 15,000 troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine, raising speculation that the production increase is directly linked to arms exports to Moscow. This directive follows a pattern of year-end military showcases; just a day earlier, state media reported Kim inspected an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine currently under construction.
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