Kim Jong-un Inspects Munitions Factories to Review 2026 Production Targets

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected several munitions industrial enterprises on May 11, 2026, to review the implementation of the nation's munitions production plan for the first half of 2026, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The visit included a stop at a bullet production factory, where Kim Jong-un set forth tasks of establishing the production system for high-precision multipurpose bullets of different calibers and other bullets.

"He repeatedly stressed the need to strengthen the mortar and howitzer forces and advance some important tasks for setting up a specialized artillery production complex and a small-arms production factory," the KCNA said.

Kim Jong-un advanced important tasks for setting up the specialized artillery production complex during the tour. He was accompanied by Jo Chun-ryong, a party secretary, and Kim Jong-sik, the first director of the ruling party's munitions industry department. The Korean Central News Agency reported on Kim Jong-un's munitions factory visit on May 13, 2026.

A photo of Kim Jong-un inspecting munitions factories on May 11, 2026, was carried by KCNA on the same day. During a visit to a munitions factory last week, Kim Jong-un said North Korea plans to deploy a new 155 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer along its border with South Korea by the end of the year.

Yonhap reported that the North's leader made the statement as part of broader efforts to bolster military capabilities.

Kim Jong-un also observed a maneuvering assessment test aboard the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon ahead of its commissioning. The activities reflect ongoing implementation of North Korea's five-year defense development plan that was unveiled at a key party congress in February 2026. North Korea has been ramping up efforts to bolster its military capabilities in line with that plan.

Kim Jong-un is the leader of North Korea, Yonhap reported from Seoul on May 13, 2026.