Kim Jong-un's May Inspections of Weapon Production Facilities: 

A Move Towards Increased Exports?

Lee Seung-hyun

Research Fellow at SAND Institute / Ph.D. in Public Administration

In May, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observed the firing of multiple rocket launchers and ballistic missiles and conducted consecutive inspections of weapon production facilities. Out of his 12 public activities that month, six were military-related, highlighting his focus on showcasing North Korea's weapon production capabilities. Analysts speculate that this move is aimed at increasing threats against South Korea while potentially targeting additional weapon exports to Russia.

Kim Jong-un is inspecting a military factory producing 240mm Transporter Erector Launchers (TEL) from May 11 to 12.

/ Korean Central News Agency

According to North Korean media, on May 10, Kim Jong-un observed the test firing of an upgraded 240mm rocket weapon system and guided rocket projectiles. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that this confirmed the 'superiority and destructive power' of the new weapon system.

Kim Jong-un is inspecting a new tactical missile weapon system to be deployed to the North Korean military

on the 14th of last month. / Korean Central News Agency

From May 11 to 12, Kim inspected key defense industry enterprises under the Second Economic Committee, which oversees weapon production. He encouraged production at these enterprises, which focus on advanced precision military supplies, major sniper weapons, and 240mm TELs.

On May 14, Kim reviewed the production status of major weaponry equipment, including a tactical missile weapon system intended for missile units. He expressed satisfaction with the first half-year's production performance and ordered that the “2024 military production plans be executed without fail, to bring about a revolutionary change in war preparations.”

On May 17, Kim Jong-un observed the test firing of a tactical ballistic missile with new guidance technology and oversaw key defense industry production activities. North Korea highlighted its independent development and successful implementation of a guided navigation system, asserting that the test firing was a routine activity for advancing weapon technology. 

Kim Jong-un is inspecting an intercontinental ballistic missile produced at a key defense industry enterprise on the 17th of last month.

/ Korean Central News Agency

The KCNA reported that Kim Jong-un expressed satisfaction with the first half-year production performance and the annual military production plan's prospects. He emphasized enhancing nuclear war deterrence due to enemy maneuvers and highlighted the defense sector's role in maintaining national stability. He stated that completing the military production plan by 2025 would lead to significant changes in nuclear capabilities and strategic status.

On May 30, Kim Jong-un observed the power firing of the Super-large Multiple Launch Rocket System. 

Analysis of his activities suggests he aims to create tension on the Korean Peninsula and foster discord in the South through test firings of new solid-fuel missiles and guidance at military production facilities. Given US interest and influence, especially related to the presidential election and US-China relations, he is expected to continue escalating threats and tensions.

Despite North Korea's claims that its weapon development targets the South and its denial of reports that it aims to export weapons to Russia, Kim Jong-un's consecutive visits to weapon production facilities indicate he is showcasing the defense industry's advancements with overseas weapon exports in mind. This suggests that amid worsening economic conditions, North Korea intends to continue earning foreign currency through weapon exports.

Kim Jong-un's emphasis on 'significant changes in nuclear capabilities and strategic status next year' during his visits to key defense industry enterprises is seen as an effort to enhance both the technological completeness and mass production capabilities of nuclear weapons, aiming to officially gain recognition as a nuclear-armed state.

It is expected that North Korea will continue provocations, citing excuses such as the leaflet distribution by defector groups and the South Korean government's temporary suspension of the 9.19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement.