North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has visited the country's weapon factories while exhorting to boost production, thereby stepping up war readiness, a state media report said.
Images shared by KCNA also show the supreme leader firing at least two different scoped rifles during his visit to the artillery plants engaged in manufacturing engines for strategic cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, shells for super large-calibre multiple-rocket launchers and transporter-erector-launchers.
He also reportedly gave "on-site guidance" to workers at a facility for strategic cruise missiles and unmanned attack aircraft. The visits took place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Kim called for steadily increasing the performance and reliability of the engine and rapidly expanding its production capacity, KCNA said, adding that the leader also highlighted the modernisation of small arms as the most important and urgent matter in making war preparations.
At another factory manufacturing launcher trucks designed to transport and fire ballistic missiles, Kim said increasing the supply of the vehicles is a top priority for the military and complimented workers for establishing a solid foundation for production.
Interestingly, this comes less than two weeks after Kim was seen attending a major military parade with Russian and Chinese officials. On display at the parade were North Korea’s newest weapons, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and spy drones.
While two models of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) - Hwasong-18 missiles and Hwasong-17 - were seen wheeling into Kim Il Sung Square in the capital, the parade also showcased North Korea's new strategic reconnaissance drone and the multi-purpose attack drones.
Regional analysts believe Kim Jong Un's visit could also suggest that Kim wants to improve arms for export to Russia. Cheong Seong-chang, an expert on North Korea's political strategy at the Sejong Institute near Seoul, told Reuters Kim is likely focused on modernisation and technical innovation of weapons that will help with the export of arms to Russia.
The inspections could also be a warning from Pyongyang as South Korea and the US prepare for major joint military drills this month. According to North Korea, such exercises are "rehearsals for an invasion" and repeatedly threatened overwhelming action in response.