Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for building new munitions factories to expand the production capacity of missiles and shells, stressing that raising their production is critical in bolstering the war deterrent, state media reported Friday. Kim made the remarks during his visit to major munitions industry enterprises as he inspected the missile and shell production in the fourth quarter, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). It did not elaborate on the date of his inspection or the factories' locations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim ordered the expansion of production capacity for missiles and shells, noting that plans to construct new munitions factories will be decided at the upcoming party congress. "In order to satisfy the prospective demands of the missile and artillery forces of the Korean People's Army, it is necessary to continuously raise the level of modernization of the munitions industry by establishing new munitions industry enterprises as planned," Kim said. He emphasized that the missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in enhancing the war deterrent.

Kim's entourage included Jo Chun-ryong, a party secretary, and Kim Jong-sik, the first vice director in charge of the munitions industry at the Workers' Party of Korea. His inspection appears to be aimed at reviewing accomplishments in the defense sector ahead of the ninth party congress set for early next year. North Korea's state media reported Thursday that Kim inspected an 8,700-ton "nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine" under construction.

The North's leader has consistently advocated for expanding the production of missiles and shells during his visits to key munitions factories, raising speculation that the move is related to North Korea's weapons exports to Russia. Since North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to support Russia's war with Ukraine, Kim has highlighted the need to modernize conventional weapons and strengthen combat capabilities.