North Korean Leader Orders Increase in Missile Production for 2026

SadaNews - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the "expansion" and modernization of missile production in the country next year and the construction of more factories to meet the rising demand, according to official media reports.

The official Korean Central News Agency reported today (Friday) that Kim requested ammunition factories he visited with senior officials to prepare to meet the future needs of the "missile and artillery forces."

Kim added that these factories need to "boost their production capacity" to keep up with the demand from the armed forces in Pyongyang, directing the construction of new ammunition factories.

The North Korean leader considered that the "missile and shell production sector is of utmost importance in enhancing deterrence strength."

Pyongyang has significantly increased its missile tests in recent years.

Analysts believe this aims to improve its capabilities for precision strikes and to challenge the United States and South Korea, in addition to testing weapons ahead of a potential export to Russia.

Yesterday, official media announced that Kim toured a nuclear submarine factory, pledging to confront the "threat" posed by South Korea's production of similar submarines.

He also reviewed a plan to reorganize the naval forces and develop "new secret underwater weapons," according to the official agency, without providing details.

It was also reported that Kim supervised a test launch of a new type of long-range and high-altitude air defense missile over the Sea of Japan.

The ruling Workers' Party of Korea in North Korea is expected to hold its first congress in five years in early 2026, where decision-makers will discuss economic and military development plans for the next five years.