North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a direct order for a substantial ramp-up in the production of missiles and artillery shells in the coming year, according to state media reports on Friday, 26 December 2025.
Factory Inspections and Modernisation Plans
During a series of visits to major munitions factories, Kim Jong Un personally inspected the production lines for ballistic missiles and artillery rockets. The state news agency, KCNA, reported that he reviewed and approved draft plans for the modernisation of these facilities.
"The country’s missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering war deterrent," Kim was quoted as saying. He emphasised the need to "further expand the overall production capacity" to keep pace with military demands, ordering the construction of new munitions plants to achieve this goal.
Context of a Rapid Military Buildup
This call for increased production follows closely on the heels of Kim's visit to a shipyard to inspect the construction of what Pyongyang describes as an 8,700-tonne nuclear submarine. The leader has previously framed the submarine project as a crucial step in the nuclear armament of the North Korean navy.
Just a day before the factory visits, on Thursday, Kim Jong Un reportedly supervised the test launch of a new type of air defence missile over the Sea of Japan. He indicated that further "new modernisation and production plans" would be unveiled at the ruling Korean Workers’ Party congress scheduled for early next year.
Regional Reactions and Strategic Aims
North Korea's persistent military expansion and its refusal to abandon nuclear weapons have significantly alarmed neighbouring nations. Japan and South Korea have been drawn into closer military cooperation and have increased joint defence drills with the United States in response.
Kim Jong Un's strategy appears focused on rapidly advancing his country's nuclear and missile capabilities while strengthening ties with Russia as a central pillar of foreign policy. Pyongyang now possesses a range of nuclear-capable missiles designed to strike targets in the US and across Asia, a capability prominently displayed at a grand military parade in October.
Despite these developments, Kim has called on the US to drop its precondition that North Korea denuclearise before talks can resume. He notably did not respond to an offer from former US President Donald Trump for a meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju earlier this year.
