Kim Jong Un Orders 2.5-Fold Increase in Missile Production Capacity Within Five Years

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has directed a significant expansion of the country's missile manufacturing capabilities, ordering a 2.5-fold increase in ballistic and cruise missile production capacity within the next five years. The directive was issued during a visit to important military factories, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and detailed by Dong-A Ilbo. Kim described this task as "critically important" and essential for meeting the growing demand for missiles, which he linked to the modification of North Korea's military operational and combat formations. During his inspection of key munitions enterprises on June 6, Kim assessed the status of important weapons production for the first half of the year. He stressed that the existing production capacity must be scaled up annually over the five-year plan period to achieve the ambitious 2.5-fold expansion. Furthermore, Kim emphasized the critical need to enhance product quality. He instructed the enterprises to strictly adhere to quality control regulations and inspection processes to ensure superior product standards. The report also listed the high-ranking officials who accompanied Kim on his visit, including members of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee and heads of defense-related agencies, underscoring the significance of the directive.

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The issue of expanding existing production capacity by 2.5 times over the five-year plan period, year by year, to meet the missile quantities whose demand will sharply increase in line with the modification of the operational and combat formations of our armed forces, is a critically important task.