U.S. defense experts revealed on Monday, Nov. 25, that they believe that Pyongyang may be ramping up its production of weapons for Moscow to use in its war in Ukraine. Researchers said new satellite images reveal North Korea is expanding a crucial weapons manufacturing complex that produces short-range missiles.
The California think-tank behind the findings noted that the plant is the only one known to produce a certain class of ballistic missiles used by Russia to strike Ukrainian forces.
Known as the KN23, the rockets are reportedly capable of evading missile defense systems by flying at low altitudes, which makes them useful for Russian forces trying to penetrate Ukrainian air defenses.
The satellite images show what reportedly appears to be an additional assembly building under construction and a housing structure for workers near North Korea’s east coast.
North Korean missiles allegedly account for only a fraction of Moscow’s strikes in Ukraine. However, the developments stoked fears among South Korea and the United States because both countries have long sought to prevent North Korea from expanding its production of ballistic missiles.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang denied that North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine, despite the countries signing a mutual defense treaty in June 2024 and vowing to boost military ties.
Meanwhile, thousands of North Korean troops are reportedly being deployed to help Russia in its war efforts.
