North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered higher production of multiple rocket launchers after inspecting a factory that manufactures the weapons system, state media reported on Tuesday, as Pyongyang accelerates military preparations ahead of a major ruling party meeting.
The visit underscores Kim’s push to strengthen long range artillery capabilities, which North Korea sees as a central pillar of its modernised military posture, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
KCNA said Kim toured a production facility where large rocket launcher vehicles were lined up, appearing fully assembled and ready for deployment. During the inspection, Kim stressed the need to expand output and improve production capacity in line with upcoming policy goals.
“It is necessary to further perfect the enterprise’s production structure in order to secure strong production capacity and fully guarantee the attainment of munitions production goals,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying. Those goals are expected to be formally announced at the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
North Korea has not confirmed the exact date of the congress, but analysts expect it to take place as early as January. Party congresses are rare and typically used to outline long term military and economic priorities.
Kim’s factory visit follows a string of high profile inspections in recent weeks, including weapons manufacturing sites, missile test oversight, and a tour of a nuclear powered submarine under development.
State media has also showcased upgraded cruise missiles and new artillery rocket systems, signalling a sustained emphasis on weapons tied to nuclear delivery capabilities.
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According to analysts, the timing suggests Pyongyang is laying the groundwork for a major policy announcement at the party congress, likely involving expanded weapons production and new systems.
Park Won gon, a North Korea specialist at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said Kim’s recent activities also carry diplomatic significance.
“Next year, doors are open for North Korea to negotiate with the United States, so these military moves are connected to raising negotiating strength by highlighting weapons linked to nuclear arms,” Park said.
North Korea has a long history of pairing military demonstrations with diplomatic signalling, particularly during periods when talks with Washington appear possible.
