North Korea leader Kim Jong Un gives field guidance at major arms factories
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Mr Kim Jong Un's visit of a weapon factory in this picture released by KCNA on Aug 6, 2023 comes amid a push by the country to develop strategic and conventional weapons.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SEOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave field guidance at major weapons factories between Thursday and Saturday, including at the production lines of engines for strategic cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, state news agency KCNA said on Sunday.
He also inspected factories producing shells for super large calibre multiple rocket launchers and transporter erector launchers, which are normally used to fire ballistic missiles, it reported.
He gave instructions for increasing production at the factories as an important part of bolstering the country’s defence, KCNA said.
Mr Kim noted the improved precision processing and modernised automation in the production of large calibre multiple rocket launcher shells, it added.
North Korea has tested rocket launchers for larger calibre shells, advanced cruise missiles and, last month, its newest ballistic missiles including solid fuel intercontinental ones.
Mr Kim called for the mass production of “various kinds of cutting-edge strategic weapon engines... and thus make a great contribution to bringing about a revolution in developing new strategic weapons of our style”, KCNA said.
His reported visits over several consecutive days were unusual but come amid a push by the country to develop various strategic and conventional weapons, and recent prominent displays of a range of weapons.
In late July, marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, it put on a major military parade displaying its newest nuclear-capable missiles
North Korea also held a large defence exhibition to coincide with the anniversary and Mr Kim gave Mr Shoigu a tour of the display of ballistic missiles and what appeared to be a new drone.
The United States has accused North Korea of providing arms to Russia for its war with Ukraine, including a “significant” number of artillery shells, as well as a shipment of infantry rockets and missiles to private Russian military company Wagner Group.
Russia and North Korea have denied those claims. REUTERS
