U.S. think tank "North Korea expands ballistic missile manufacturing plant"

While North Korea is known to provide short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, a U.S. think tank has analyzed that a key military factory in North Korea that manufactures the missiles is undergoing expansion work.

According to Reuters, the James Martin Center for Non-Proliferation Research analyzed satellite images of U.S. private satellite company Planet Labs, which were taken early last month, and found the move at a "Feb. 11 plant" inside the Ryongseong Machinery Alliance in Hamheung, South Hamgyong Province.

According to the center's analysis, the satellite images show additional assembly facilities under construction and new buildings that appear to be housing for workers.

In addition, North Korean authorities have also been spotted reinforcing the entrances and exits of underground facilities in the complex.

Sam Rare, a researcher at the research center, pointed out that the plant is the only one known to produce Hwasong-11 missiles.

The Hwasong-11, also called KN-23, is North Korea's flagship short-range ballistic missile.

Ukraine and Western countries believe Russia is using Hwasong-11 on the battlefield in Ukraine with support from North Korea.

The movement captured in satellite images "suggests that they are trying to significantly increase or significantly increase the throughput of this plant," Rare said.

Russia has fired thousands of missiles since invading Ukraine, he said, noting that if they were able to get additional supplies from North Korea, they would be able to alleviate the overload on their production facilities.