Kim Jong Un's artillery push: North Korea ramps up shell production
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for further increases in artillery shell production, according to state agency KCNA, following his inspection of weapons factories. South Korean agency Yonhap suggests this reflects a desire to continue supplying weapons to Russia.
KCNA reported that artillery shell production has increased fourfold compared to the annual average and has nearly doubled compared to the previous peak year. These figures have reportedly brought "great satisfaction" to Kim.
The North Korean leader urged factory workers, whose locations have not been disclosed, to further boost shell production, describing them as vital to "strengthening the fighting efficiency."
Kim also discussed the modernization and long-term development of the machinery industry. He called for "producing a larger number of intelligent, high-speed, precision and multi-functional machine-building equipment," which is anticipated to contribute to the advancement of the defense industry and other sectors of the economy.
Pyongyang supports Putin's regime
According to Yonhap, the focus on shell production may indicate North Korea's determination to continue supplying weapons to Russia in exchange for economic benefits and military technology.
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Pyongyang has provided Moscow with varied armaments, including artillery systems and millions of rounds of ammunition. In addition, about 15,000 soldiers have been deployed to the Kursk region in western Russia, according to estimates by South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies.
