North Korea: According to state media, North Korean leader Mr. Kim Jong Un recently visited important munitions factories. The leader examined a tactical missile production plant and commanded a significant increase in the production of missiles, rocket-launcher shells, and other weaponry.
The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has cited that Mr. Kim visited factories producing tactical missiles, mobile launch platforms, armoured vehicles, and artillery shells.
The inspections are the latest in a string of visits by Mr. Kim to defence facilities, where he has highlighted the mass production of weapons. At the same time, US officials have stated that they believe Russia is attempting to acquire North Korean weapons for its conflict with Ukraine. South Korea and the United States are preparing for an annual military drill that North Korea see it an invasion rehearsal.
KCNA remarked that during a visit to the missile factory, Mr. Kim set a goal to “drastically boost” production capacity so the facility can mass produce missiles to meet the requirements of front-line military units.
“The qualitative level of war preparations depends on the development of the munitions industry, and the factory bears a very important responsibility in speeding up the war preparations of the Korean People’s Army,” Mr. Kim said.
After his diplomatic efforts with former US President Mr. Donald Trump fell apart in 2019, Mr. Kim has been dedicated to advancing his nuclear and missile capabilities. Since the beginning of 2022, Mr. Kim’s military has carried out over 100 missile tests. A significant number of these tests have been presented as a message to the US and South Korea regarding their increasing joint military training activities.
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