Kim Orders 2½‑Fold Expansion of Tactical Guided Weapons Production Ahead of Party Congress
Updated (7 articles)
Kim’s Factory Tour Signals Shift Toward Tactical Guided Weapons Kim Jong‑un visited an undisclosed munitions plant, inspecting recent modernization and reviewing production lines alongside senior officials, a move framed as part of intensified pre‑congress inspections [2][3]. The tour underscored the regime’s focus on upgrading its primary strike assets while keeping the factory’s location classified [1].
Directive Calls for 2½‑Times Increase in Output Capacity The leader ordered a rapid expansion of current production capacity by roughly 2.5 times to satisfy Defense Ministry and General Staff demands [1]. He urged the adoption of a flexible manufacturing system and innovative planning to synchronize production with modernization efforts [1].
Guided Weapons Intended to Replace Multiple‑Launch Rocket Systems Kim declared that tactical guided weapons possess sufficient military value to supplant the existing MRLS, with plans to equip major units during the first half of the year [1]. This shift aims to enhance precision strike capability and reduce reliance on older rocket launcher technology [1].
Reexamination of Modernization Plans Emphasizes Quality Control Officials were instructed to review overall construction and modernization strategies this year, addressing noted deficiencies in assembly processes [1]. The directive highlighted the need for higher product quality under contract to ensure reliable fulfillment of defense orders [1].
Strategic Context Linked to Upcoming Ninth Party Congress Earlier reports tied the factory inspections to the forthcoming party congress, suggesting a broader conventional‑nuclear integration strategy and a continuation of high‑tech weapons development showcased in 2021 [2][3]. References to “strategic” weapons hinted at potential nuclear dimensions within the artillery program [2][3].
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: Kim Jong-un orders expansion of tactical weapons production at munitions factory: details the Jan 4 2026 order to boost capacity 2.5×, shift to guided weapons, reexamine modernization, and stress product quality .
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[2]
Yonhap: Kim Jong-un inspects munitions factory producing multiple rocket launchers: describes the Dec 29 2025 visit focused on MRLS production increase, strategic weapons implications, and ties to the upcoming party congress .
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[3]
Yonhap: Kim Jong-un inspects munitions factory, urges expanded MRLS production: reports the same Dec 29 2025 tour emphasizing MRLS expansion, strategic nuclear hints, and historical context of prior weapons showcases .
Timeline
Dec 25 2025 – Kim Jong‑un orders the expansion of missile and shell production, declaring that “increasing production is essential to bolster the war deterrent” and that decisions on building new munitions factories will be taken at the upcoming ninth party congress; he makes the tour with party secretary Jo Chun‑ryong and munitions chief Kim Jong‑sik[6][7].
Dec 26 2025 – Kim Jong‑un directs the construction of new munitions plants and the modernization of missile production for 2026, stressing that “the missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent”; he also tours a nuclear‑submarine facility and oversees a test launch of high‑altitude long‑range anti‑air missiles over the Sea of Japan[1][5].
Dec 29 2025 – Kim Jong‑un inspects a factory that makes multiple‑rocket‑launch systems, urging a “revolution in upgrading the artillery weapon system” and declaring that the MRLS “can annihilate the enemy through sudden, precise strikes with high accuracy and devastating power”; he calls for expanded MRLS production as a new milestone in practical deterrence and links the push to the ninth party congress, recalling the 2021 congress where high‑tech weapons such as spy satellites and nuclear‑powered submarines were unveiled[3][4].
Jan 3‑4 2026 – Kim Jong‑un visits a major munitions factory, orders production capacity to increase by about 2½ times, and mandates the development of a flexible manufacturing system; he announces that tactical guided weapons will replace the multiple‑launch‑rocket system and will be equipped to major military units in the first half of the year, while instructing officials to reexamine modernization plans and to “pay deep attention to improving the quality of products under contract”[2].
Early 2026 (ninth party congress) – The ninth Workers’ Party congress, slated for early 2026, will decide on the construction of new munitions factories and formalize the expanded missile, shell and guided‑weapon production programs outlined in the December 2025 inspections[5][2].
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