North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has described full war preparedness as the armed forces’ most “crucial task”, following his observation of extensive military drills. According to state media, Kim stressed the importance of being ready for “all levels of modern warfare” during a visit to a special forces exercise. Footage from the event shows North Korean tanks manoeuvring through rugged, sandy terrain as Kim, clad in his trademark leather coat, monitored the scene with military top brass at his side.
Among the officials present were the country’s defence minister, chief of staff, and the head of the general political bureau. The exercises featured a variety of training, including amphibious landings and helicopter descents, with soldiers seen disembarking from inflatable boats and rappelling to the ground. Kim was visibly engaged, at one point raising binoculars to observe tanks firing into the distance.
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The North Korean leader stated that the country’s approach to training is evolving, with a new emphasis on enhancing both military and technical preparedness. He outlined plans to integrate information technology and scientific evaluation systems into military exercises, in a bid to improve the combat effectiveness of North Korea’s weapons systems. The developments are being presented as part of a wider modernisation strategy aimed at strengthening national defence capabilities.
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Kim also praised the dedication of his troops, highlighting what he called their “fighting spirit and heroism”. He further defined their participation in military activities as a “sacred mission” and pointed to the growing military ties with Russia. According to state media, North Korean forces have allegedly fought alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, a claim that, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape. Kim stated that Pyongyang considers its alliance with Moscow “an honour” and noted its role in reinforcing bilateral ties, as seen during recent ballistic missile launches following joint US-South Korean drills.
