**North Korea Expands Missile Factory**
The North Korean government is expanding a weapons factory that produces missiles being used by Russia in Ukraine. This was discovered by US researchers who analyzed satellite images.
Russia has been using North Korean-made KN-23 missiles in its military operations against Ukraine. In 2024, Russia launched about 60 of these missiles. This accounts for almost one-third of the total number of ballistic missile strikes recorded by Ukrainian forces this year. Most of these attacks happened in August and September.
**Facility Expansion**
The February 11 factory, part of the Ryongsong Machine Complex in Hamhung, is being expanded significantly. Researchers from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies say that satellite images show a new assembly building and housing facility being constructed. The assembly building is almost as big as the existing structure.
**Security Improvements**
The researchers also noted improvements to the underground access of the factory. This includes removing an old bridge crane that was blocking a tunnel entrance. They believe this will make it easier for people to move in and out of the factory.
**KN-23 Missile**
The factory produces missiles known as Hwasong-11 class, or KN-23 in the West. The KN-23 is designed to evade missile defenses by flying on a lower trajectory. It was first tested in May 2019.
**Russia-North Korea Agreement**
Despite international sanctions against North Korea, Russia and North Korea have signed a mutual defense treaty. This expansion of the factory coincides with reports of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
**Western Components**
Analysis of missile fragments shows that many KN-23 missiles are equipped with Western-made components. About 70% of these components are American-made, despite international sanctions against North Korea. This suggests a concerning supply chain that may involve Chinese intermediaries facilitating the transfer of technology and parts to North Korea.
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