North Korea is increasing missile production for Russia

North Korea is expanding a plant known as the February 11 Plant to produce short-range missiles used by Russian forces in attacks on Ukraine. New satellite images indicate that the production building significantly increases the capacity of the complex that produces these missiles. Reuters reports this in connection with a study by the American James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) on Monday, November 25.

The facility is located in Hamhun, one of the country’s largest cities, and is part of the Ryongsong Engineering Complex.

CNS Research Fellow Sam Leir points out that it is the only known manufacturer of the Hwasong-11 (KN-23) solid-propellant missiles used by Russian forces in the attack on Ukraine.

An analysis of satellite images taken in October showed the construction of a new production building, twice the size of the previous one, as well as a new housing facility for workers. The images also indicate improved access to the plant’s underground facilities.

The KN-23 missiles, which were tested in 2019, have a trajectory that allows them to bypass air defense systems, making them useful to Russia. In the past, North Korean state media images have shown the plant producing various parts, including missile tail sections.

Analysts from the South Korean company SI Analytics also confirmed construction at the plant and indicated that the new structures could be aimed at covering the production process from satellites.

Let’s recall that the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, inspected the test of attack drones made at local enterprises and ordered the launch of their mass production.