North Korean leader inspects factory for ICBM mobile launchers

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected a factory that produces mobile launchers for intercontinental ballistic missiles. Kim is said to have specified that there are plans to expand the facility's production capacity.

The ruling Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on January 5 that Kim and his daughter visited a major plant that manufactures transporter erector launchers, or TELs, NHK reports.

Photos that have been released show launchers lined up in the plant. In one image, Kim can be seen sitting in the driver's seat of one launcher.

Some of the launchers appear to be similar to one that launched a solid-fuel ICBM-class Hwasong-18. Missiles that appear to be Hwasong-17s are also in place.

The newspaper said Kim specified that there are plans to immediately produce various types of TELs. He also reportedly mentioned long-term plans to expand the facility's production capacity to prepare for military confrontations with enemies.

North Korea conducted a launch drill of a Hwasong-18 in December. It stressed that the stage has been reached at which the missile can actually be deployed. That was the first time Pyongyang made an announcement about a launch drill for the missile.

Kim appears to be using this latest visit to the plant to try to send the message that the North is going to mass produce ICBMs capable of targeting the mainland of the United States.