(CLO) North Korea is currently expanding a major weapons manufacturing complex, according to a US-based research group. Based on satellite images, they believe this facility assembles a type of short-range missile.
The factory, called February 11, is located in the Ryongsong Machinery Complex in Hamhung - North Korea's second largest industrial city, strategically located near the east coast.
Sam Lair, a researcher at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), part of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, said the factory is the only place we know of that produces the solid-fuel Hwasong-11 missile.
Ukrainian officials allege the munitions – known in the West as KN-23 – were used by the Russian military in its attack on Ukraine. The expansion of the weapons manufacturing complex has not been previously reported.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny that North Korea has supplied weapons to Russia. However, the two countries signed an agreement to help each other militarily in June.
Satellite imagery shows a suspected building under construction at the “February 11 Factory” near Hamhung, North Korea. Photo: Planet Labs PBC
According to the US research team, satellite images show that North Korea is improving the entrances to some underground facilities in the complex. They commented: "Improving infrastructure and increasing the area suggests that North Korea may be trying to significantly improve the productivity of this factory."
In 2023, North Korean state media released images showing leader Kim Jong Un touring new buildings at the Hamhung complex, where workers were assembling the tail and nose cones of missiles, likely KN-23s, according to analysts.
In addition to producing missile components, the complex has previously been credited with producing a range of other military products, including tank wheels and rocket engine casings.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has reported that construction is underway at the Ryongsong Machinery Complex.
This month, KCNA said the facility is “speeding up projects to achieve the modernization target set for this year.” The work includes rebuilding production facilities as well as assembling and installing equipment at machine shops and steel foundries.
Researchers at SI Analytics, a South Korean satellite imaging company that uses AI technology to scan images, also confirmed new construction at the February 11 Plant.
“With the presence of many construction materials and vehicles around the site, construction appears to be progressing rapidly,” the company said.
Ha Trang (according to Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trieu-tien-duoc-cho-rang-dang-mo-rong-nha-may-san-xuat-ten-lua-post322866.html
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