North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for expanding production of rocket launchers in preparation for a “military confrontation” with South Korea and the United States, state media reported Friday.

The information was released after the White House revealed that North Korea had supplied Russia with the ballistic missiles used in the recent wave of attacks on Ukrainian cities.

The official agency KCNA showed images of Kim with his daughter Ju Ae during a tour of the factory that produces mobile upright launchers (TELs) used for the country’s intercontinental ballistic missiles, where he urged “a dynamic effort to increase productionof weapons.

Kim told factory workers that TEL production is very important “given the prevailing serious situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military confrontation with the enemy,” KCNA published.

On Thursday, US Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: Pyongyang is said to have provided Russia with missiles with a range of 900 kilometerswhich he allegedly used in two attacks on Ukraine.

“Our intelligence indicates that North Korea has recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launch systems and several ballistic missiles,” some of which were used in attacks on Ukraine on December 30 and January 2, Kirby said.

The spokesperson asked the US Congress to approve a military aid package for Ukraine to deal with these attacks.

Kim met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia’s far east in September.

The United States and South Korea then accused the North of sending weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine in exchange for satellite technology.

Production goals

Footage released by KCNA on Friday showed Kim and Ju Ae surrounded by senior officials as he inspected the massive TELs, with what appear to be long-range missiles attached to them.

Other photos show Kim speaking to officials from behind the launcher handles, with his daughter at his side.

Kim praised the factory workers, saying they had “exceeded the TEL production target” set by the ruling party in 2023.

Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in decadesafter Kim enshrined the North’s status as a nuclear power in his constitution and tested several intercontinental ballistic missiles.

At a political meeting at the end of the year, Kim warned of a nuclear attack from the South and called for strengthening his country’s military arsenal before an armed conflict that he said “could break out at any time” ‘.

In 2023, the North successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite after, according to South Korea, it received help from Russia in exchange for the transfer of weapons for its war against Ukraine. (JO)