Recent research reveals that North Korea is significantly expanding a weapons plant that manufactures missiles used by Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The plant, located in Hamhung, North Korea’s second-largest city, has been under close observation by experts from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
This facility is responsible for producing two types of missiles: the KN-23 (Hwasong-11A) and the KN-24 (Hwasong-11B). These short-range ballistic missiles are used by Russian forces in their attacks on Ukraine. Satellite imagery has shown the factory’s growth in recent months, with new buildings emerging to accommodate increased production capacity.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has visited the Hamhung plant multiple times, and state media previously highlighted its role in mass-producing tactical missiles. These missiles have played a prominent role in recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, with Ukrainian military officials estimating that approximately one-third of Russia’s ballistic missile strikes have involved North Korean weaponry.
The expansion of military ties between North Korea and Russia has escalated in recent years, with both nations strengthening their defense collaboration. In addition to deepening economic and strategic ties, North Korea and Russia signed a mutual defense pact earlier this year. Reports suggest that North Korean troops have been deployed to assist Russian forces fighting in Ukraine.
Satellite images indicate that the Hamhung facility is not only growing in size but also improving its production infrastructure. Researchers noted the construction of a new building that appears designed for final missile assembly, along with new housing for workers to support the facility’s expanding operations. This suggests that North Korea is aiming to increase its missile production capacity to meet the demands of its growing military partnership with Russia.
The plant, known as the ‘February 11 plant’ in North Korean documents, began expanding in 2020, with ongoing renovations to older structures, such as roof replacements and facility upgrades. The addition of a new assembly building signals that North Korea is not just enhancing specific aspects of the production line, but is actively working to scale it up significantly. Estimates suggest that this new building is about 60%-70% the size of the original structure, further supporting the conclusion that North Korea is committed to boosting missile output.
In addition to the new construction, researchers have also observed an increase in the facility’s workforce. Satellite imagery from October showed the development of new apartment buildings near the factory, likely built to accommodate the growing number of workers required to support the expanded operations.
The factory is part of the Ryongsong Machine Complex, which manufactures various military goods, including multiple rocket launcher shells. It plays a crucial role in North Korea’s missile production capabilities, with the KN-23 missile being one of the primary weapons used in Russian attacks on Ukraine.
In 2023, Russia launched approximately 60 KN-23 missiles at Ukraine, causing widespread destruction. These missile strikes have claimed the lives of at least 28 people and injured over 200. Despite international sanctions on North Korea, which restrict the transfer of sensitive military technology, reports indicate that critical components of the KN-23’s guidance systems are produced by Western manufacturers, raising concerns about the ongoing flow of technology to Pyongyang.
Both Russia and North Korea have denied direct military cooperation regarding weapons transfers, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. Furthermore, Western officials have raised alarms over the potential violation of sanctions, particularly as Russia and North Korea work closely on projects such as the development of military satellites.
The collaboration between these two authoritarian nations continues to evolve, with the signing of a new defense pact in June, pledging to provide immediate military assistance to each other in case of an attack. As tensions rise, observers remain concerned about the deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea and the long-term implications for global security.
