North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently visited a rocket artillery production facility, designating the rocket artillery system as the military’s primary strike capability and a formidable weapon system. He ordered mass production and modernization of production structures. As the year draws to a close, Kim has been conducting frequent military inspections.
On Tuesday, the state-run Rodong Sinmun reported that Kim inspected the production of advanced weaponry at a key defense industry enterprise on December 28. He was accompanied by high-ranking military and party officials, including Party Secretary Jo Chun-ryong, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, First Deputy Director of the Party Central Committee Kim Jong-sik, and Missile Bureau Chief Jang Chang-ha.
Kim declared that this rocket artillery system, set to become the military’s main strike asset, will revolutionize the artillery forces. He emphasized its high precision and devastating firepower, describing it as a super-powerful weapon system capable of obliterating enemy targets with concentrated and sudden strikes.
Analysts suggest that the weapon system shown in the released photos is likely the KN-25 series, which North Korea calls super-large rocket artillery. The images reveal large cylindrical launchers mounted on vehicles and identical mass-produced projectiles stored within the facility.
Kim stressed that this enterprise plays a crucial role in executing the party’s military strategy to modernize and enhance long-range artillery. He reiterated the need for mass production of the rocket artillery system and urged workers to accelerate production to meet party-set goals.
The North Korean leader praised the weapon systems produced by this enterprise as operationally and tactically unique on a global scale. He expressed satisfaction that these systems are being manufactured to meet demand using domestic technology and resources.
During the visit, Kim outlined a mid- to long-term modernization plan for the facility. He called for a revolution in artillery system upgrades, emphasizing the need to enhance production infrastructure and modernize technological processes. This, he said, would ensure the achievement of military production targets to be set at the upcoming 9th Party Congress. Kim also ordered continuous expansion of production capacity and ongoing technological innovation across the entire defense industry.
Kim urged for an escalation of this year’s achievements, calling for even greater advancements in defense capabilities for 2026. State media portrayed this inspection as a significant milestone in practically enhancing the country’s war deterrence capabilities.
Recently, Kim has been intensifying his focus on military matters. He inspected the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, observed the test launch of a new long-range surface-to-air missile, and reviewed fourth-quarter missile and artillery shell production. He also supervised training exercises for long-range strategic cruise missiles.
Following these military sector inspections, experts anticipate that Kim will present a strategy linking nuclear and conventional weapons at the 9th Party Congress, scheduled for early next year, with a strong emphasis on military modernization.
