Kim inspects artillery plants again as North Korea pushes to modernize its weapons industry at full speed. On Wednesday, state media confirmed that Kim toured two production sites in Jagang Province to examine artillery upgrades. Both sites play crucial roles in the country’s military buildup and growing arms exports. One of them appears to be the Kanggye General Tractor Plant, which makes multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) shells. The other is likely the Huichon Ryonha General Machine Plant, known for producing CNC machines.
Photos released by state media show Kim walking beside stacks of MLRS rockets and inspecting industrial equipment. At Kanggye, he praised the plant’s growth, saying production now exceeds twice its previous record year. Kim emphasized that other factories should follow Kanggye’s modernization strategy to strengthen national defense capabilities. The improvements likely support North Korea’s artillery supply to Russia in its ongoing war in Ukraine. Kim inspects artillery plants not only for domestic defense but also to maintain foreign military trade.
Huichon Ryonha, the second facility, manufactures specialized machinery for weapons production across the country. During his visit, Kim toured a vast production hall and studied 3D plans for a new facility. These plans show a proposed building twice the size of the existing hall, spanning 15 acres. Kim called for Huichon Ryonha to become a central model in machinery development. The proposed factory expansion would require demolishing several current structures, according to satellite analysis.
State images captured Kim with military officials, highlighting the inspection’s strategic importance to national defense priorities. The official guiding Kim appeared to be Kim Chol, formerly linked to an anti-aircraft missile complex. Kim inspects artillery plants frequently, though state media reports only select visits. He last officially toured Kanggye in August 2023, while the latest Huichon Ryonha visit followed a major political meeting in July 2024. These inspections align with his broader push to complete defense goals before year’s end.
Earlier this week, Kim also visited a tank production site in Kusong, indicating sustained attention to military manufacturing. North Korea continues expanding its weapons factories while refining export routes for arms. The push for advanced CNC machinery also reflects a shift toward more precise and efficient weapons production. Though North Korea imports many components, it increasingly promotes domestic manufacturing capacity. As Kim inspects artillery plants, he reinforces a message of readiness and technological ambition.
