N Korean leader calls for boost in missile production amid persisting threats by US, S Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for a major boost in the country's production of missiles and munitions as the US and rival South Korea get set to launch yet another war game in the region.
"Our army must thoroughly secure overwhelming military power and solid readiness to handle any war at any time, so that the enemy does not dare to use force, and would be annihilated if it does," Kim declared while touring a major arms manufacturing facility as quoted in a report on Monday by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
“The qualitative level of war preparations depends on the development of the munitions industry and the factory bears a very important responsibility in speeding up the war preparations of the (North) Korean People’s Army,” Kim added.
According to the report, the North Korean leader made the remarks following visits to factories producing tactical missiles, mobile launch platforms, armored vehicles and artillery shells on Friday and Saturday.
Kim had earlier called for preparations to boost the nation's weapons production and expand its military drills for the possibility of a war in the face of surging military provocations by the US and South Korea, including the recent deployment of an American nuclear submarine to Seoul and persistent holding of joint war games by the two allies.
Kim also called for conducting military drills to efficiently test and operate the country's latest weapons and equipment to keep its mobilized posture for combat at all times, the report added.
The North Korean leader's new push for the production of weapons and maintaining military preparedness comes as South Korea and the US begin their massive annual war games that Pyongyang regards as a rehearsal for a military invasion of the country.
ME
