Kim Jong-un Tours Weapon Factories, Possible Arms Export to Russia

Pyongyang – The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un toured the country's key weapon factories for purposes such as responding to the planned military exercises of South Korea and the United States. Also, the intention of exporting weapons, South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Monday. 

Kim’s three-day inspections through Saturday came as the United States and South Korea prepared for their next round of combined military exercises planned for later this month to counter the growing North Korean threat.

The visit comes after South Korea and the United States plan to hold annual military exercises called Ulchi Freedom Shield later this month.

Moreover, the visit also comes amid speculation that North Korea may be seeking arms exports to Russia for use in the Russia-Ukraine war.

"(Kim's visit this time) has many purposes, from showing off the country's achievements in the defense sector, responding to the Seoul-Washington joint military exercises and efforts to export weapons," Koo Byoung-sam, a defense ministry spokesman, said at a press conference.

Koo said it is "unfortunate" that North Korea continues to develop nuclear weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and conventional weapons at the expense of the North Korean people. During the visit, Kim for the first time revealed the term "national defense economic work".

Experts argue that Pyongyang may be trying to increase foreign exchange and boost the country's moribund economy through its defense industry.

"This seems to be the first time North Korea has used the term. If this means arms exports, then it is unfortunate that North Korea is blatantly violating UN Security Council resolutions (banning its nuclear and weapons programs)," 

North Korea appears to be trying to strengthen military cooperation with Russia. Kim communicated with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and senior Chinese officials during the July 27 military parade.

He also accompanied Shoigu to an arms fair in Pyongyang, in addition to launching attacks by flying spy planes and launching ICBMs.

Regarding the reactivation of Pak Jong-chon, a fired senior North Korean official, South Korean Unification Ministry officials said that more time is needed to analyze Pak's role.

Pak, a former vice chairman of the military commission of the ruling party's central committee, was seen taking part in Kim Jong-un's inspection entourage after he was dismissed from his post in late December.