North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for expanding the production of a new type of artillery shell for modern warfare, Pyongyang's state media reported Saturday, amid deepening military cooperation between the North and Russia.

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected military industrial factories, calling them to expand production of shells that meet modern warfare needs, state media KCNA said on Saturday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said that his country’s ties with Russia have developed into an “indestructible, genuine relationship between comrades-in-arms and alliance.” Kim made the remarks in a congratulatory message he sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the eve of Russia Day, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).