Kim Jong Un orders expansion of missile production in 2026 to 'bolster up war deterrent'

This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on December 26, 2025 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) visiting major munitions industry enterprises to acquaint himself with the missile and shell production at an undisclosed place in North Korea. (Photo by KCNA VIA KNS / AFP)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered a sharp increase in missile production and new munitions factories to meet military needs, amid growing ties with Russia. Kim also toured a nuclear submarine facility and oversaw a new anti-air missile test.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered officials to sharply increase missile production and build new factories to meet what he described as the growing needs of the country’s armed forces, according to state media reports on Friday.

During a visit to munitions factories with senior officials, the state-run Korean Central News Agency said Kim directed authorities to prepare for a heavy production schedule in the coming year. He called for efforts “to further expand the overall production capacity” to keep pace with military demand and ordered the construction of additional munitions plants.

“The missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent,” Kim said.

North Korea has sharply stepped up missile testing in recent years. Analysts say the launches are aimed at improving precision strike capabilities, challenging the United States and South Korea, and testing weapons that could later be exported.

Pyongyang’s deepening military ties with Russia form a key backdrop to the push. Since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, North Korea has supplied troops, artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems to Russia, analysts say. In return, Moscow is believed to be providing North Korea with financial support, military technology, and food and energy supplies.

Washington has also pointed to signs that Russia is increasing support for Pyongyang, including assistance with advanced space and satellite technology. Analysts note that satellite launch vehicles and intercontinental ballistic missiles share much of the same core technology.

“With its ICBM program already at a stage widely seen as having achieved core objectives, Pyongyang is likely to further accelerate development next year,” said Ahn Chan il, a researcher originally from North Korea. He added that the country is likely to shift its “focus toward testing and producing systems linked to potential exports to Russia including medium and intermediate range missiles.”

Kim’s factory visit was reported a day after state media said he toured a nuclear submarine facility and vowed to counter what he described as the “threat” posed by South Korea’s plans to develop similar vessels with US support. During the visit, he was briefed on research into “new underwater secret weapons,” KCNA said.

North Korea is expected to seek advanced military technology from Russia, including nuclear powered submarine capabilities and fighter jets, as it looks to address weaknesses in its air force, Ahn told AFP.

On Thursday, Kim was also reported to have overseen the test launch of a new type of high-altitude, long-range anti-air missiles over the Sea of Japan.

State media said Kim plans to announce “new modernisation and production plans” at the first congress of the ruling Korean Workers Party in five years, expected to be held in early 2026.