**North Korea Expands Key Weapons Complex**
North Korea is expanding a key plant that makes short-range ballistic missiles used by Russia against Ukraine. This was reported on November 25 by Reuters, based on research by experts at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) and satellite images.
**Russia Uses North Korean Missiles in Ukraine War**
The Russian military has used around 60 of these North Korean missiles against Ukraine this year. This is a significant number, making up nearly one-third of all ballistic missile strikes by Russia against Ukraine. The use of these missiles increased in August and September, with Ukrainian officials saying they pose a major threat.
**North Korea’s February 11 Plant**
The plant being expanded is called the February 11 plant. It is part of the Ryongsong Machine Complex in Hamhung, North Korea’s second-largest city. This plant was previously known to be the only one making these missiles. The new expansion includes an additional assembly building and a housing facility for workers.
**Russia-North Korea Defense Agreement**
North Korea has signed a strategic partnership with Russia, promising to provide military support if either country is attacked. Russia ratified this agreement in October, amid reports that North Korea was sending troops and weapons to aid Moscow’s war against Ukraine. It’s estimated that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are now stationed in Ukraine.
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