North Korea ramps up arms production, signals alliance with Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for a further increase in the production of artillery shells, according to the state agency KCNA, which reported on Kim's inspection of arms factories. The South Korean agency Yonhap suggests this indicates a desire to continue supplying weapons to Russia.
KCNA reported that the production of artillery shells has increased fourfold compared to the annual average and nearly doubled compared to the previous peak year. These figures, according to the media, caused "great satisfaction" for Kim.
The North Korean leader urged factory workers, whose locations have not been disclosed, to further increase shell production, describing them as a key element in "strengthening combat effectiveness."
Kim also discussed the modernisation and long-term development of the machinery industry. He called for the production of "more intelligent, fast, precise, and multifunctional" devices, which will contribute to the advancement of the defence industry and other economic sectors.
Pyongyang supports Putin's regime
According to Yonhap, the focus on shell production may suggest North Korea's determination to continue supplying weapons to Russia in exchange for economic benefits and military technology.
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with various types of armaments, including artillery systems, millions of rounds of ammunition, and has reportedly sent approximately 15,000 soldiers, who were deployed in the Kursk region in western Russia, according to estimates by South Korean and US intelligence agencies.
