Kim Jong Un guided a military demonstration on Wednesday, where he told commanders to organise exercises that simulate an ‘actual war’, according to the state news agency of North Korea (KCNA).
The military event was designed to inspect the combat capabilities of tank crews and Kim reportedly expressed ‘great satisfaction’ that a new type of main battle tank successfully demonstrated its striking power in its first display of performance.
The report said: ‘Swiftly weaving their way through various worst combat circumstances, heavy tanks hit targets at once with powerful strikes and broke through strong defense lines with high maneuverability.’
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (pictured centre) looks on as he guides a military demonstration involving tank units
Troops salute North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during their military demonstration involving tank units
Kim was joined by senior officials including Defence Minister Kang Sun Nam at the event.
The leader of the reclusive state was pictured in one photo sporting a leather jacket surrounded by troops in front of a tank. In another, multiple tanks with the North Korean flag were firing ammunition on a field.
Tanks firing during the military demonstration attended by Kim Jong Un
Kim Jong Un (pictured) stood on top of a tank as he addresses troops
Kim emphasised the need to organise intensive exercises simulating an actual war and training matches for enhancing combat capability to be able to carry out any combat mission promptly and accurately in any contingency.
Kim’s appearance at the demonstration came days after he guided an artillery firing drill by the Korean People’s Army, the country’s military force, last week.
The drill involved units near the border that are in firing range of ‘the enemy’s capital,’ KCNA said, referring to South Korean capital Seoul, which has nearly 10 million residents.