Kim Jong Un Expands Military Arsenal and Inspects New Submarine

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a decisive order to increase the production of missiles and artillery shells, a clear indication of the country's strengthened military ambitions. In this initiative, Kim directed the establishment of new factories aimed at addressing the heightened demand from North Korea's armed forces.

During his recent tours of munitions production facilities, Kim underscored the essential role of this sector in enhancing the nation's defense posture. He urged these factories to gear up for a fruitful year, focusing on expanding their production capacity to meet military requirements.

In a significant visit to a shipyard, Kim inspected a new, massive 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine intended for launching surface-to-air missiles. This advancement signifies a pivotal upgrade in North Korea's naval capabilities. Photographs from the inspection showcased the submarine's striking burgundy hull nestled within an assembly hall—the first such images released this year. Analysts suggest that this submarine is equipped with a nuclear reactor and is nearing operational readiness.

While at the shipyard, Kim cautioned that South Korea’s initiative to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines would only heighten regional tensions, deeming these plans a direct threat to North Korean national security. This warning follows South Korea's president recently seeking U.S. support for nuclear submarine technology, an action that could escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Besides examining factories and the submarine, Kim also supervised a test launch of newly developed long-range anti-air missiles over the Sea of Japan. These tests form a part of North Korea’s extensive plans to modernize its military arsenal. Kim announced that further modernization initiatives will be revealed during the Korean Workers Party congress anticipated early next year.

Experts perceive these movements as a strategy to bolster North Korea’s precision-strike capabilities, aiming to apply pressure on both the U.S. and South Korea. The missile production boosts and tests may also align with plans to export sophisticated weaponry to Russia.

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, the ties between Pyongyang and Moscow have grown stronger. North Korea has allegedly supplied Russia with troops, artillery shells, missiles, and rocket systems as part of a mutual defense agreement established between Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In exchange, Russia has offered North Korea financial assistance, military technology, and essential resources like food and energy.

Analysts also highlight that North Korea may seek more advanced military technologies from Russia, including nuclear-powered submarine capabilities and fighter jets, further solidifying their strategic partnership.