Foreshadowing Support for the War in Ukraine
As North Korea has officially announced its participation in the Russia-Ukraine war, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has visited a series of munitions factories, urging increased production.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 7, Kim conducted an on-site inspection of a key munitions enterprise under the Second Economic Committee. KCNA reported that he specifically examined the factory's production status, expansion of production capacity, and modernization progress. The exact date of his visit was not disclosed.
The agency claimed that the shell production output at the comprehensive shell manufacturing enterprise has increased to four times the normal level and nearly twice the highest annual production level. Kim Jong-un expressed satisfaction with the high level of modernization at the munitions factory and the rapid growth in shell production capacity.
Kim stated, "This will actively encourage struggles in all sectors of the people's economy toward the completion of the five-year national economic development plan," adding, "I hope that the working class of the enterprise will keep in mind that strengthening artillery forces means enhancing the military's combat power and readiness, and that they will contribute to expanding our military power by producing more shells."
Kim's latest visits to munitions factories come as North Korea has officially confirmed its participation in the Russia-Ukraine war. By increasing shell production, North Korea appears to be signaling its intention to continue military support for Russia and to strengthen cooperation in both military and economic sectors.
During the Russia-Ukraine war, North Korea has been supplying Russia with shells and other war materials. According to a recent report by the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), the total value of shells and other materials provided by North Korea during the conflict is estimated to be approximately 27.4 trillion won. It is reported that North Korea expects to receive advanced weapons and technological support in return.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un also visited a comprehensive machinery manufacturing enterprise. He stated, "By thoroughly implementing the phased objectives for achieving the overall goals outlined in the Second Economic Committee's machinery industry development strategy report, which was reviewed at the 10th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party, this enterprise must be transformed into a model base that plays a central and leading role in the development of the nation's machinery manufacturing industry."
Kim further urged, "This enterprise should focus on developing and producing more intelligent, high-speed, precision, and multi-functional machinery manufacturing equipment to enhance production technology in both the nation's munitions industry and various sectors of the people's economy."
Accompanying Kim Jong-un on his visits to the munitions factories were Jo Chunryong, Secretary of the Workers' Party, Hong Youngchil, Deputy Director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party, and Kim Yonghwan, President of the Academy of National Defense Science.
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