Editor’s note: This article is the first in a two-part series on North Korean weapons factory upgrades. The second part can be found here.

North Korea is in the middle of a sweeping push to rebuild or expand over 10 weapons factories nationwide, NK Pro analysis of satellite imagery has found, likely seeking to boost production of assets aimed at South Korea and increase arms exports to Russia or other countries.

The analysis reveals for the first time that the DPRK leader may be planning a major increase in surface-to-air missile (SAM) system production.[/p