North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered a significant expansion of missile and ammunition production in 2026, calling for the construction of new factories and the scaling up of existing facilities within the country’s defence industry. The directive was issued during Kim’s visits to munitions plants, where he described the missile and shell production sector as critical to strengthening military deterrence.
The announcement comes as Pyongyang accelerates weapons development and signals its readiness for a long-term standoff with the United States, South Korea and their allies. Analysts say the push aims to ensure a steady flow of armaments both for domestic needs and for external partners, reflecting North Korea’s growing confidence in its military-industrial capacity.
Intensifying missile activity and links to Russia
North Korea has sharply increased the frequency of missile launches in recent years, focusing on improving accuracy and operational reliability. Security analysts believe these tests also serve as preparation for potential exports, particularly to Russia, as military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow deepens amid the war in Ukraine.
Kim has publicly confirmed his unconditional support for Russia’s full-scale invasion, and North Korea has already supplied ammunition and deployed thousands of troops to Russia, including units reported to have been stationed in the Kursk region. This cooperation has transformed Pyongyang from a peripheral actor into an active contributor to Moscow’s war effort.
Strategic partnership formalises military cooperation
Military ties between the two countries were formalised through a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed by Kim and Vladimir Putin in the summer of 2024. The agreement spans industrial, scientific and military cooperation and предусматривает mutual assistance in the event of war, effectively legitimising and institutionalising their collaboration.
For international security experts, the treaty represents the emergence of a new axis of instability. In exchange for soldiers, shells and missiles, Moscow is widely believed to be transferring advanced military technologies and components that North Korea cannot produce independently, accelerating Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programmes.
Technology transfers and nuclear ambitions raise alarm
Concerns have intensified following the release of images by North Korea showing a near-complete nuclear-powered submarine hull. Experts assess that Russia likely provided technical assistance for the project, which Pyongyang says it intends to arm with nuclear-capable guided missiles. Analysts predict sea trials could begin within months, marking a major step in North Korea’s strategic capabilities.
A multinational monitoring group comprising South Korea, the United States, Japan and eight other countries has classified the Russia–North Korea military alliance as illegal, stating that it flagrantly violates UN sanctions. The group warned that cooperation with Moscow enables Pyongyang to finance banned ballistic missile programmes and risks the transfer of sensitive technologies that could strengthen its nuclear arsenal.
Implications for global security and sanctions enforcement
Russia’s role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council makes its alleged violations particularly damaging to the credibility of international law and the sanctions regime. Security officials warn that the apparent impunity enjoyed by both countries sets a dangerous precedent that others may seek to follow.
Western governments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region face mounting pressure to respond more decisively. Analysts caution that failure to act could accelerate nuclear proliferation and fuel new conflicts, as North Korea leverages its partnership with Russia to position itself as a more assertive and influential player in the global security landscape.
