Kim Jong Un Calls for Increased Missile Production to Secure Overwhelming Military Power

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for an increase in missile production to strengthen the country’s military power and be prepared for war, according to state media KCNA. Kim made the order during his visit to key munitions factories that produce tactical missiles, missile launch platforms, armored vehicles, and artillery shells. This visit is part of a series of inspections to arms factories, where Kim has been ordering mass production of weapons. The call for increased missile production comes just days before South Korea and the United States are set to begin their annual military drills, which North Korea sees as a rehearsal for war.

During his visit, Kim emphasized the importance of dramatically increasing missile production capacity to meet the needs of the expanded and strengthened frontline military units. He stated that the development of the munitions industry is crucial for war preparations and that the factories have a tremendous responsibility in accelerating the military’s readiness. Kim also inspected and drove a new utility combat armored vehicle and praised the progress in modernizing production lines for large-caliber multiple rocket launcher rounds.

Kim stressed the urgent need to exponentially increase the production of rockets to strengthen frontline artillery units. He emphasized the importance of securing overwhelming military power and solid readiness to handle any war at any time, ensuring that the enemy does not dare to use force and would be annihilated if it does.

In response to North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats, South Korea and the United States announced that they would stage the Ulchi Freedom Guardian summer exercises from August 21 to 31. These drills aim to improve their ability to respond to North Korea’s threats. However, North Korea has denounced these military drills as a rehearsal for nuclear war.

This year’s drills will be the largest ever, mobilizing tens of thousands of troops from both sides, as well as some member states of the U.N. Command, for about 30 field training programs. The exercises are considered essential in maintaining a robust combined defense posture in case of emergency and are seen as necessary to respond to the growing military threat from North Korea.

The United States has accused North Korea of providing weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine, including artillery shells, shoulder-fired rockets, and missiles. However, both North Korea and Russia have denied any arms transactions.

In addition to the military drills, the leaders of South Korea, the United States, and Japan are scheduled to discuss security cooperation over North Korea, Ukraine, and other issues at a trilateral summit on August 18 at Camp David.

Meanwhile, North Korea has also been dealing with the aftermath of tropical storm Khanun, which swept over the Korean peninsula last week, causing flooding in farmlands. Kim visited the “typhoon-hit areas” to assess the damage and provide support.

The call for increased missile production and the upcoming military drills highlight the ongoing tensions in the Korean Peninsula. As North Korea continues to develop its nuclear and missile capabilities, the international community remains concerned about the potential for conflict and the need for diplomatic solutions.

What message is Kim Jong Un sending to his adversaries by ramping up missile production just before the upcoming military drills between South Korea and the United States

That North Korea remains a formidable force to be reckoned with. This visit to the munitions factories is part of Kim’s ongoing efforts to bolster the country’s military capabilities.

The timing of this call for increased missile production is significant, as it coincides with the upcoming military drills between South Korea and the United States. North Korea has long viewed these annual drills as a provocation and a rehearsal for an invasion. By ramping up missile production just before the exercises, Kim is sending a clear message to his adversaries that North Korea is prepared for any potential conflict.

During his visit, Kim highlighted the need to expand missile production capacity to better support frontline military units. He emphasized that the development of the munitions industry is essential for war preparations and that the factories have a crucial role to play in rapidly increasing the military’s readiness. Kim personally inspected the production lines and even tested out a new combat armored vehicle, showing his commitment to modernizing North Korea’s military equipment.

In particular, Kim emphasized the urgent need to increase the production of rockets for frontline artillery units. He stressed the importance of possessing overwhelming military power and solid readiness to respond effectively to any war scenario. By prioritizing missile production, Kim aims to ensure that North Korea maintains a strong and capable military force.

Overall, this visit to the munitions factories and the call for increased missile production underscore Kim Jong Un’s determination to strengthen North Korea’s military power. With tensions rising due to the upcoming military drills, Kim’s actions signal that he is prepared to confront any potential threat to his regime head-on.