What Actions is North Korean Leader Kim Taking to Strengthen War Preparations?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a pivotal display of military readiness, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversees extensive anti-air combat and air raid drills. This significant event underscores the country's commitment to enhancing its war preparation strategies, with a focus on modernizing weaponry and improving air defense capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Jong-un emphasizes enhanced military preparedness.
- Drills included advanced air combat training.
- Focus on new weapon systems and technology.
- Demonstrated capabilities of the Guards 1st Air Division.
- Potential technological support from Russia.
Seoul, May 17 (NationPress) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised anti-air combat and air raid exercises conducted by an air force flight group this week, emphasizing the necessity for continuous and enhanced war readiness across all military divisions, as reported by Pyongyang's state media on Saturday.
During his visit on Thursday to the flight group under the Guards 1st Air Division of the Korean People's Army, Kim instructed that "all the units of the entire army must initiate a significant transformation in war preparations while maintaining a constant war posture," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The exercises were designed to equip flying units along with anti-air missile, radar, and electronic warfare subunits to effectively detect, track, and eliminate enemy cruise missiles and suicide drones, as stated by the KCNA.
The drills included testing a new type of long-range precision glide bomb, target attack maneuvers, and training aimed at neutralizing enemy drones using helicopters, precision bombing of naval targets, and showcasing strategic reconnaissance and multipurpose drones, the KCNA reported.
Kim described these drills as "extremely beneficial" for enabling pilots to acquire expertise in contemporary air combat strategies, while also offering guidance for the evolution of air weapon systems, air defense mechanisms, detection and electronic warfare integrated systems, and anti-drone systems, per KCNA.
The exercises demonstrated the air defense capabilities of the Guards 1st Air Division, highlighted by state media.
Images released by state media featured a variety of North Korea's latest aerial assets, including the MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft, which were utilized during the drills.
Among these images was what appeared to be a new air-to-air missile, first unveiled at a 2021 arms exhibition, launched from the MiG-29 fighter jet.
"It is believed to be a localized version of Russia's R-27 mid-to-long range air-to-air missile, developed by the Russian Air Force for the MiG-29," noted Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, suggesting potential technological support from Moscow for Pyongyang.
Photos also depicted North Korean drones resembling the US Global Hawk and Reaper, as reported by Yonhap.
These recent exercises coincide with Kim's ongoing emphasis on modernizing conventional weaponry, marked by a series of public visits to military installations and munitions factories.
Kim was accompanied by various party and military officials, including Ri Pyong-chol, general adviser for munitions policy of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Committee, and Kim Yong-hwan, president of the Academy of Defence Sciences.
Point of View
The recent military exercises led by Kim Jong-un signal a worrying escalation in North Korea's military ambitions. While the state media portrays these drills as necessary for national defense, it is crucial to consider the implications for regional stability and international relations. The focus on modernizing weaponry and enhancing readiness poses challenges that must be addressed through diplomatic channels.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main objectives of the recent military drills in North Korea?
The recent military drills aimed to enhance the readiness of air force units and improve capabilities in detecting and destroying enemy threats, including cruise missiles and drones.
What new technologies were showcased during the drills?
The drills featured a new type of long-range precision glide bomb and included training on advanced air defense systems and drones resembling US models.
What does Kim Jong-un's emphasis on military modernization indicate?
Kim's focus on military modernization indicates a strategic move to bolster North Korea's defense capabilities in response to perceived threats.
