Reports indicate a major construction project at the Taesong Machine Factory in Nampo, South Pyongan Province—one of North Korea’s key munitions facilities.
According to NK News, a U.S. media specializing in North Korean affairs, this expansion is part of a broader effort to boost the production of long-range missiles and components, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). This move follows a directive from Kim Jong Un to ramp up output at munitions factories across the country.
Satellite images from Planet Labs, analyzed by NK News, show significant land clearing around the entrance of underground missile production facilities near the Taesong Machine Factory since July. This suggests a considerable overhaul of large production workshops in the complex, ongoing between November 2023 and August this year. Recent images also reveal excavation activity outside the tunnel entrance.
The Taesong Machine Factory is known as the oldest missile production facility in North Korea, responsible for the production and assembly of medium- and long-range ballistic missiles.
On January 1, 2023, Korean Central Television (KCTV) aired footage of Kim and his daughter, Ju Ae, touring the missile factory, which was identified as the Taesong Machine Factory. At least 26 intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) of the Hwasong-12 type were captured in that footage.
John Ford, a researcher at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute, noted that recent satellite images from August 27 show workers demolishing nearby structures and excavating the hillside while the tunnel entrance itself remains intact. This activity suggests that North Korea is significantly increasing its missile production capacity.
Kim Jong Un has made several visits to munitions factories this year, emphasizing modernization and expansion of production capabilities. Analysts believe this push may be aimed at increasing weapon exports to Russia, which is currently engaged in conflict with Ukraine.
