In pictures: North Korean leader visits weapons factories, inspect firearms, vows to boost war readiness

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave field guidance at major weapons factories, including the production lines for engines used in strategic cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

In the pictures, which offer a rare glimpse into the secretive state's weapons facilities, Kim is seen inspecting factories at undisclosed locations that produce shells for super large-caliber multiple rocket launchers and transporter-erector-launchers, which are normally used to fire ballistic missiles.

The set of pictures was released on August 6 by the state news agency KCNA, which said that the leader's visit took place between August 3-5, 2023.

Kim's three-day inspections came as the United States and South Korea prepared for their next round of combined military exercises planned for later this month to cope with the growing North Korean threat.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest level in years as the pace of North Korea's missile tests and the joint U.S.-South Korea military drills, which Kim portrays as invasion rehearsals, have both intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle.

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