PYONGYANG, — June 07, 2026 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered the country's defense industry to increase ballistic and cruise missile production capacity by 2.5 times over the next five years, according to reports from state media outlets KCNA and Rodong Sinmun.
The directive was issued during Kim's inspection of a major missile production facility operated by North Korea's Missile Administration. During the visit, he reviewed first-half production results and assessed the manufacturing status of key missile systems.
According to state media, Kim stated that missile output must grow annually under a structured five-year plan to meet the increasing requirements of the Korean People's Army.
"It is necessary to increase the existing production capacity by 2.5 times over a five-year period with annual growth in order to supply a sufficient number of missiles, the demand for which will increase in accordance with changes in the operational structure and combat organization of our armed forces," Kim said.
State media reported that the facility achieved its primary production targets for the first half of the year ahead of schedule. Kim also instructed officials to finalize the expansion plan for approval at an upcoming meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea's Ninth Central Committee.
Missile Expansion and Stockpile Replenishment
Defense analysts believe the production increase is partly aimed at replenishing domestic missile inventories. North Korea has reportedly continued supplying Hwasong-11 (KN-23) short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, creating additional demand for new missile production.
Focus on New Missile Systems
North Korea is also expanding production of its newer missile platforms, including the Hwasal-2 land-attack cruise missile, which state media describes as a key component of the country's strike capabilities.
The country is additionally producing the Pulhwasal-3-31, a naval cruise missile variant based on the Hwasal-2 design. The missile is designed for launch from both surface ships and submarines, strengthening North Korea's maritime strike capability.
Earlier Order for Bulsae-4 Missile Production
The latest directive follows a similar order issued on January 3, 2026, when Kim visited a separate munitions facility and instructed officials to increase production capacity of the Bulsae-4 anti-tank guided missile by 2.5 times.
During that visit, Kim also ordered a review of plans to modernize and expand ammunition production facilities to ensure the defense industry can meet equipment requirements set by the country's military leadership.
The new five-year missile production plan highlights North Korea's continued focus on expanding missile inventories, increasing manufacturing capacity, and modernizing its defense industry to support future military requirements.
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