North Korean leader inspects munitions factories, calls for stronger artillery forces

By Kwon Seog-rim Posted : May 13, 2026, 10:02 Updated : May 13, 2026, 10:02
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (center) inspects a munitions factory at an undisclosed location in Pyongyang on May 11, 2026, in this photo released by the state-run [North] Korean Central News Agency two days later.
SEOUL, May 13 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected munitions factories and called for strengthening "mortar and howitzer forces," state media reported on Wednesday.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim, accompanied by senior military officials and other key aides, "gave field guidance at several munitions industrial enterprises" earlier this week to "learn about the implementation of munitions production assignments for the first half" of this year.

Kim "repeatedly stressed the need to strengthen mortar and howitzer forces," while outlining key tasks such as "setting up a specialized artillery production complex and a small-arms production factory" to meet the future needs of North Korea's military, KCNA said.

He emphasized the need to "further modernize" production systems and improve manufacturing processes "in a more scientific way."

Kim was also quoted as saying that North Korean munitions industry workers would "make strenuous efforts" to strengthen the country's defense capabilities.

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