North Korea's Kim orders factories to make more missiles in 2026

• Kim Jong Un ordered a major expansion of North Korea's missile production for 2026, calling for the construction of new munitions factories to meet the "future needs" of his missile and artillery forces.
• The directive follows military inspections of nuclear submarine facilities and air defense tests ahead of a pivotal Workers' Party Congress scheduled for early 2026.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the "expansion" and modernization of the country's missile production for the coming year, directing the construction of additional factories to meet surging demand, state media reported Friday.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim visited several munitions factories alongside senior officials, where he instructed personnel to prepare for the future requirements of the nation's "missile and artillery forces."

Boosting Strategic Deterrence

Kim emphasized the need for these facilities to "enhance production capacity" to keep pace with the requirements of Pyongyang’s armed forces. He characterized the missile and shell production sector as being of "paramount importance in strengthening deterrence."

The order comes as Pyongyang has significantly increased its frequency of missile testing in recent years.

Defense analysts suggest these tests serve a dual purpose: improving precision strike capabilities to challenge US and South Korean forces and field-testing weaponry intended for potential export to Russia.

Naval Modernization and Underwater Weapons

The missile production directive follows a tour by Kim of a nuclear-powered submarine facility earlier this week. During that visit, he pledged to counter the "threat" posed by South Korea's production of similar vessels.

Kim was also briefed on a strategic plan to reorganize the North Korean Navy and develop "new secret underwater weapons," according to KCNA, though no specific technical details were provided.

Additionally, the North Korean leader reportedly supervised the test launch of a new type of long-range, high-altitude air defense missile over the Sea of Japan.

Preparations for 2026 Party Congress

The military buildup coincides with preparations for the ruling Workers' Party of Korea to hold its first congress in five years, expected in early 2026.

During this major political event, policymakers are slated to discuss and finalize economic and military development plans for the subsequent five-year period.