Kim Jong Un tells North Korean arms factories to extend manufacturing – days after Russia’s defence minister visits

North Korean arms factories have been instructed to extend their output by chief Kim Jong Un, as a part of a drive to improve the nation’s defence capabilities, state media stories.

It comes simply days after the US accused Russia of requesting weapons from the secretive state, following a go to by Moscow’s defence minister Sergei Shoigu.

Kim Jong Un inspected munitions factories on the finish of final week, watching the manufacturing of cruise missiles, aerial autos and rocket launchers, information company KCNA stated.

He additionally burdened the “important responsibilities and tasks in perfecting [the North’s] war readiness”.

It is believed that Pyongyang is making an attempt a present of energy in its vary of weaponry, whereas others, together with the US, say North Korea is promoting arms to Russia.

During his visits, Mr Kim referred to as for the mass manufacturing of “various kinds of cutting-edge strategic weapon engines… and thus make a great contribution to bringing about a revolution in developing new strategic weapons of our style”, in line with the KCNA.

The manufacturing facility inspections come forward of US-South Korean navy drills later this month, which Mr Kim typically views as a observe for invading his nation.

The chief held an enormous navy parade via the North Korean capital final week, the place he was joined by Mr Shoigu and an official from China’s ruling social gathering, the place he displayed new missiles constructed to hit targets within the US and South Korea.

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Mr Shoigu was given a tour of an arms exhibition, with Mr Kim providing his help for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The nation has aligned itself with Russia over the battle, saying the “hegemonic policy” of the US-led forces within the West meant Moscow needed to take motion to guard itself.

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Pyongyang denies US insistence that North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia.

Meanwhile, tensions on the Korean peninsula stay excessive after quite a lot of missile launches from the North, which have included superior cruise missiles.