North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju-ae, visited Kalma Airport in Wonsan on 28/11 to attend the 80th anniversary of the air force's establishment. They observed various combat aircraft performing aerial displays, including an early warning aircraft that Pyongyang unveiled earlier this year.
"The North Korean air force will be equipped with new strategic military assets and assigned new important missions. The air force must resolutely repel and counter all potential espionage and military provocations from enemies," North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim as saying at the ceremony today.
Kim did not specify which assets these would be. The term "strategic military assets" typically refers to highly destructive, long-range weapons, such as bombers capable of carrying bombs, intercontinental ballistic missiles, or hypersonic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads.
North Korea's air force primarily operates older fighter and attack aircraft. It has not yet deployed large bombers, which are crucial assets in the nuclear triad of nuclear-armed nations, alongside ballistic missiles and submarines.
North Korea has recently been working to modernize its air force. Images released by state media showed numerous unmanned aerial vehicles, mobile missile launchers, and other assets at the anniversary celebration.
"The nation's expectations for the air force, which will play a role in nuclear deterrence, are truly significant," Kim stressed.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un meets air force members during the 80th anniversary event at Kalma Airport, Wonsan on 28/11. Photo: *KCNA* |
Late last month, North Korea fired a series of ballistic missiles into the eastern sea, marking the first launches in 5 months and the first since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office in June.
Pyongyang has not yet responded to Seoul's negotiation offer aimed at preventing unintended military clashes along the two countries' shared border.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated earlier this week that North Korea has engaged in "extreme actions" by erecting three layers of barbed wire fences along the border.
"We are currently in a situation where we don't know when an unexpected clash might occur. All communication lines have been cut. They are refusing all dialogue and contact. This is a very dangerous situation," Lee said.
Pyongyang has not commented on Lee's statement. North Korea has long criticized joint US-South Korea drills, calling them rehearsals for nuclear war against them. Approximately 28,500 troops and weapon systems are currently deployed by the US in South Korea.
By Huyen Le (Based on AFP, Reuters)
