North Korean leader orders increase in missile engine manufacturing capacity

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visits the National Aerospace Development Administration in Pyongyang, April 18, 2023

According to Reuters, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on August 6 that the country's leader, Mr. Kim Jong-un, gave instructions at major weapons factories in North Korea from August 3-5, including production lines for strategic cruise missile engines and drones.

KCNA reported that Kim Jong-un also inspected factories producing ammunition for super-large multiple rocket launchers and ballistic missile launchers.

According to KCNA, the North Korean leader gave instructions to increase manufacturing capacity at these factories as an important part of bolstering the country's defense capabilities.

North Korea has been stepping up its development of strategic weapons including long-range ballistic missiles and drones, and showcased its latest nuclear-capable missiles as well as attack and reconnaissance drones at a major military parade in late July.

According to KCNA, on May 16, Mr. Kim Jong-un inspected the Non-Permanent Satellite Launch Preparation Committee to check the overall condition of the spy satellite and approve the "future action plan", a move signaling that the satellite launch may be imminent.

"After learning in detail about the work of the committee, he inspected the No. 1 military reconnaissance satellite, which is ready for loading after undergoing final overall inspection and space environment test," KCNA's English-language dispatch said.

Kim Jong-un stressed that the successful launch of the satellite was an "urgent requirement" in the prevailing security environment and a process of "strengthening defense capabilities on a top priority basis."

He also said the more the US and South Korea escalate confrontational moves against North Korea, "it will exercise its right to self-defense to deter it in a fairer, more direct and more powerful manner."

In March, leader Kim Jong-un also called on the North Korean military to step up production of nuclear weapons materials to strengthen Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal.

Mr. Kim Jong-un also called on the North Korean army to be ready to use weapons at any time and directed the mounting of nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles on March 27.

Also according to KCNA, the country's military tested an underwater nuclear attack weapon system from March 25-27.

According to Vietnam+