North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un visited key weapons factories and called to boost missile production, while South Korea and the United States prepared for joint drills from August 21st to August 31st.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for a “drastic boost” in missile production during visits to key weapons factories, state media said Monday, as South Korea and the United States prepared for joint drills next week.
The tour of the plants from Friday to Saturday came after Kim called for stepping up war preparations at a key military meeting last week.
Kim’s two-day inspections included visits to factories producing tactical missiles, large-caliber control multiple rocket launcher shells, and armored combat vehicles, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
During the tactical missile factory visit, Kim “expressed satisfaction” as the plant had “perfected the scientific and technological issues arising in production” and pushed ahead with the modernization of the weapons.
Kim also inspected a factory producing transporter erector launchers, vehicles for transporting and launching tactical missiles, and stressed the importance of developing and producing mobile platforms.
The North Korean army should have an “overwhelming military force” and be “fully prepared for coping with any war at any moment” against the enemy, Kim said, adding they must “surely annihilate them if they launch an attack,” KCNA reported.
The inspections come as South Korea and the United States prepare for the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise from August 21st through August 31st.
North Korea views such exercises as rehearsals for an invasion and has repeatedly warned it would take “overwhelming” action in response.
Miroslava Salazar, with AFP
