North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered officials to step up production of missiles and construct more factories to meet his military’s growing need for the projectiles, state media said. In a visit to munitions factories, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said yesterday that Kim had ordered the factories to prepare for a busy year ahead. “The missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent,” Kim said. In return, Russia is sending North Korea financial aid, military technology, food and energy supplies, analysts say. Washington has also pointed to evidence that Russia is stepping up support for North Korea, including providing help on advanced space and satellite technology.

Source: The Star December 27, 2025 10:56 UTC