North Korea’s Kim Orders Arms Modernization Before Congress, Says KCNA

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the modernization of his country’s missile and artillery production, indicating Pyongyang is moving toward expanded output of both nuclear and conventional weapons ahead of its next ruling party congress.

Kim inspected key military-industrial enterprises to review fourth-quarter production of missiles and artillery shells, and approved draft modernization plans to be submitted to the ninth congress of the Workers’ Party, the Korean Central News Agency reported Friday.