North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took charge of a military demonstration featuring a new battle tank, as reported by state media KCNA on Thursday. This showcase of military prowess occurred as South Korea and the United States concluded their joint exercises.
Expressing “great satisfaction,” Kim witnessed the successful display of the tank’s striking power during its debut performance on Wednesday, as per KCNA. The demonstration aimed to assess the combat capabilities of tank crews and familiarize them with various tactical missions, termed a “training match” by KCNA.
According to the report, the tanks swiftly navigated through challenging combat scenarios, delivering powerful strikes and breaching formidable defense lines with agility. The 105th Tank Division, which once seized control of Seoul during the Korean War, emerged victorious in the simulated battle.
Accompanied by senior officials, including Defence Minister Kang Sun Nam, Kim was actively involved in the event. Images released by KCNA depicted Kim, at times, peering out of a tank, indicating his direct involvement in driving it.
In addition to Kim’s presence, photographs showcased him in a leather jacket surrounded by troops, alongside tanks adorned with the North Korean flag engaged in live fire exercises.
The mock battle coincided with the conclusion of the annual joint drills between South Korea and the US, known as the Freedom Shield exercises. These exercises, the first since North Korea terminated a 2018 inter-Korean military pact, aimed to de-escalate tensions in November.
As part of these drills, South Korea’s military disclosed a joint live fire exercise in Pocheon, featuring tanks, armored vehicles, and FA-50 fighter jets. While North Korea has consistently criticized such exercises as preparations for war, South Korea has maintained their defensive nature.
Kim’s presence at the demonstration follows his recent supervision of an artillery firing drill conducted by the Korean People’s Army, targeting areas near Seoul, the enemy’s capital, as described by KCNA.