Kim Jong Un Orders 2.5-Fold Increase in Ballistic and Cruise Missile Production for Elite Units

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered a 2.5-fold increase in the production of ballistic and cruise missiles during a visit to a facility under the Missile Directorate.

State news agency KCNA reported on this.

The expansion is part of a five-year plan under which production capacity is expected to gradually increase to a target level by the fifth year.

“It is necessary to increase the existing production capacity by 2.5 times over a five-year period with annual growth to supply a sufficient number of missiles, the demand for which will grow in accordance with changes in the operational structure and combat organization of our armed forces,” Kim Jong Un stated.

It is difficult to independently verify the current pace of missile production in North Korea. However, analysts note that the country is also supplying Russia with KN-23 ballistic missiles, suggesting continued pressure on domestic stockpiles.

North Korea is also actively developing new ballistic and cruise missile systems for multiple platforms. These include the Hwasal-2 cruise missile, which is considered a core system in the country’s arsenal.

Versions such as the Pulhwasal-3-31 have also been developed for launch from naval platforms, including both surface ships and submarines. These systems are based on the Hwasal-2 design.

In January 2026, Kim Jong Un also ordered a 2.5-fold increase in production of Bulsae-4 anti-tank guided missiles, which Russia has used in the war against Ukraine.

The North Korean leader visited the factory on January 3, 2026, where he examined the production process of modern anti-tank weapons.

He said that despite current production rates, there are shortcomings in manufacturing modernization and ordered a review of ammunition industry development plans for 2026.

Kim also emphasized the need to expand Bulsae-4 production capacity by 2.5 times to meet the requirements of military units under the Ministry of National Defense and General Staff.