Is North Korea Getting Ready for Bigger Battles? New Missile Factory Expansion Revealed

Reuters cited a researcher from an independent U.S. think tank in a report on Monday. North Korea is expanding a major weapons factory responsible for assembling short-range missiles to be used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Samuel Lear, a researcher at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, analyzed satellite imagery and identified ongoing facility expansion at the February 11 Plant within the Ryongsong Machinery Complex in Hamhung, South Hamgyong Province. This facility is known to produce the KN-23 (Hwasong-11) short-range ballistic missile. No previous expansions had been reported at this site.

Lear explained that satellite photos taken by commercial satellite company Planet Labs in early October reveal an expansion, which includes a new assembly line and additional worker housing. The new assembly building is approximately 60-70% the size of existing structures. Improvements have been made to the entrance of underground facilities within the complex.

KCNA had reported on construction projects at the Ryongsong Machinery Complex aimed at achieving modernized goals. Lear stated, “We interpret these developments as indicators of either significantly increasing the factory’s output capacity or planning to do so.”

Russia has launched thousands of missiles since it invaded Ukraine in 2022. Military experts speculate that it is North Korea’s continued supply of the KN-23 missiles that have mitigated the depletion of Russia’s missile stockpile. Analysts believe this expansion is more likely aimed at bolstering North Korea’s military capabilities rather than increasing support for Russia. A military analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, Joseph Dempsey, explained, “The expansion of North Korea’s short-range ballistic missile facilities is primarily driven by its desire to enhance its own arsenal. While some capacity may be increased to meet potential Russian demands, such instances are likely limited, and the scale remains unclear.”

North Korea reportedly deployed over 12,000 troops to Russia in August alone. The troops are stationed in the Kursk region, where intense fighting continues in Ukraine.