DPRK is going to double its weapons production

17 October, 2024 North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects North Korea's defense facilities. September 2023. Photo: dprktoday.com

North Korea (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK) is rushing to double its weapons production as Moscow seeks its supply for the war with Ukraine. DailyNK, the specialized publication on the DPRK, reported on this. North Korea's ruling party has ordered an extension of its arms production and export plans for the fourth quarter of this year to meet Russia's military needs in its war against Ukraine.

A source in North Korea reported that the Central Military Commission "issued emergency orders for the production and export of arms in the fourth quarter to the Department of the Ministry of Defense, the Second Economic Committee and major defense industry enterprises through Order No.

61351 of October 1." Accordingly, on October 2, the DPRK Ministry of Defense immediately started to implement the order of the Central Military Commission to strengthen cooperation with Russia by promptly ensuring the total volume of ammunition exports.

122mm artillery shells of the DPRK, which are supplied to Russia. October 2023.

Photo credits: Ukraine Weapons Tracker

In particular, the Department of Defense Industry organized a temporary task force consisting of members of the Second Economic Committee and officials from specialized departments of the Ministry of Defense's Main Equipment Department to ensure the efficiency of ammunition production and transfer. The Ministry of Defense Industry has taken it upon itself to quickly determine Russian demand for military equipment and weapons. The Second Economic Committee will promote the expansion of arms production in the fourth quarter through an on-site visit.

"The Ministry of Defense Industry has told the relevant workplaces that the Central Military Commission's order "goes beyond simply increasing arms production - it is an important, even critical chance to strengthen the autonomy of the country's defense economy and secure external money for the development of our defense," a source told DailyNK. The Ministry of Defense Industry has already taken steps to maximize production by introducing performance-based remuneration systems to reward employees of defense industry enterprises that have been identified as critical to rapidly doubling production.

Uranium enrichment plant in the DPRK. September 2024.

Photo credits: www.kcna.kp

Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced a bill to ratify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with the DPRK the day before.

This agreement covers various strategic support between the countries, comprehensive assistance in the event of war, etc.

That is, increasing the DPRK's arms production for Russia is in some way part of this agreement.