North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for an “epochal change” in war preparations by achieving arsenal production targets during his inspection of a tactical missile system, state media reported Wednesday. Kim expressed satisfaction over production results this year, stressing the need for an epochal change in war preparations. The missile launchers produced so far this year are meant for military units in the country’s west.
Analysts suggest North Korea could be ramping up production of artillery and cruise missiles before sending them to Russia for use in Ukraine. The country recently strengthened military ties with Russia and thanked Moscow for using its UN Security Council veto to block the renewal of a panel monitoring international weapons sanctions.
Despite UN sanctions banning weapons supply, South Korea and the United States have accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia. Inter-Korean relations are strained, with North Korea declaring South Korea its “principal enemy” and threatening war over even the slightest territorial infringement. Agencies dedicated to reunification have been abandoned as tensions remain high between the two countries.
