North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected the country’s missile factories and ordered a significant increase in production, as well as the creation of new companies focused on the defense sector.
The information was released by the state news agency KCNA.
According to the agency, the measures are part of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s strategy for 2026 and reinforce Pyongyang’s objective of consolidating and expanding its military-industrial base. During the visit, state media published images of a workshop where around one hundred KN-23 ballistic missiles were reportedly in the process of being assembled.
The KN-23 is considered a copy of the Russian 9M723 ballistic missile, part of the Iskander system, although it features technical and visual differences compared to the original model. Among the most evident aspects are changes to the design of the rear compartment and to structural components of the projectile.
According to estimates cited by international analysts, approximately one third of the ballistic missiles used by Russia in attacks against Ukraine throughout 2024 were reportedly KN-23 types manufactured in North Korea, reinforcing Pyongyang’s growing role in the supply of weaponry.
On the same day as the inspection, Kim Jong Un also approved a draft document aimed at modernizing the main companies of North Korea’s military-industrial complex. KCNA reported that the text will be submitted to the 9th Party Congress and to the Plenary Meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, scheduled for early 2026, when a new five-year development strategy for the country is expected to be defined.
Source and images: KCNA. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
