North Korea ramps up weapons production for Russia, factories operate at full capacity – WSJ

Satellite imagery indicates that North Korea increased its arms production and is boosting supplies to Russia for its war against Ukraine. Approximately 200 ammunition factories in North Korea are currently operating at full capacity. Source: The Wall Street Journal

Quote: "Recent satellite images show that North Korea is shipping more munitions to Russia and is expanding arms production at home... Assistance from North Korea is allowing Russia to press its advantage against exhausted Ukrainian troops and could help it resist pressure from the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump to end the conflict [war - ed.]."

Details: Officials from Washington and Seoul indicate that North Korea has sent around 20,000 containers of ammunition to Russia. These shipments range from lower-quality ammunition such as 122 mm and 152 mm artillery shells to the newer Hwasong-11 class ballistic missiles.

WSJ notes that "Ukrainian officials say the provision has amounted to more than five million artillery shells and dozens of rockets, including more than 100 Hwasong-11 class missiles." Recently, Pyongyang also sent 170-mm self-propelled howitzers and 240-mm long-range multiple-launch rocket systems to Russia.

The report points that earlier suspicions about North Korea offloading old weapon stockpiles have shifted, with evidence now indicating Pyongyang is supplying newly manufactured weapons to Russia. For instance, the 240-mm multiple-launch rocket systems were recently equipped with new guidance and control systems.

Additionally, North Korea's 600-mm KN-25 rocket launchers were upgraded earlier this year with the support of Russian technicians. "The weapon, first tested in 2019, blurs the distinction between a multiple launch rocket system and a short-range ballistic missile," the publication highlights. Quote: "More weapons are coming, by ship and train, to resupply Russian troops burning through huge quantities of arms, U.S. and South Korean officials say. Around 200 munitions factories in North Korea are operating at full capacity to produce weapons, and Russia is transferring fuel and equipment to support Pyongyang's arms manufacturing, Seoul officials said."

More details: Satellite images show an expansion of North Korea's short-range ballistic missile production facilities. The Hwasong-11 missiles, also known as KN-23 and KN-24 in the West, are being produced at a factory on North Korea's eastern coast. SI Analytics indicates that rapid construction at the site includes new buildings, likely intended to conceal loading operations.

Kim Jong Un has visited the facility multiple times, issuing orders for serial production of tactical missiles.

Satellite images show a factory on the east coast of North Korea that produces the Hwasong-11 class missiles. Photo: Airbus satellite imagery/SIA SuperX This year, rail shipments of weapons reached record levels at the Tumangang-Hasan crossing on the North Korea-Russia border.

Train traffic has reportedly tripled since Kim's meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in September last year.

A satellite image of rail traffic at the border crossing between North Korea and Russia.

Photo: Airbus satellite imagery/SIA SuperX A South Korean official told The Wall Street Journal that the cooperation is reciprocal, with Russia providing North Korea with air defence systems and sending technicians to support its satellite reconnaissance programmes. Quote: "Pyongyang's outdated air defence system needs significant improvements to match Seoul and Washington's superior air forces, weapons experts say.

South Korean officials said North Korea is likely also seeking help from Russia on intercontinental ballistic missile technology."

Experts cited by The Wall Street Journal estimate that North Korea may have earned up to US£5.5 billion through its arms deals with Russia.

Background:

On 7 November, Zelenskyy reported losses among North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in the Kursk Oblast.
The US confirmed North Korean troops were involved in combat operations in Kursk.
The New York Times reported that a 50,000-strong force of Russian and North Korean soldiers is preparing for a major counteroffensive in Kursk.
On 15 December, Ukrainian forces released photos and videos of killed Russian and North Korean soldiers in Kursk following the assaults on 14 December.
Later, The New York Times, citing a senior US Department of Defense official, reported that Ukrainian forces may have killed or injured "several hundred" North Korean troops sent to assist Russia in the war.

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