Kim Jong-Un Promises Advanced Weapons for North Korea’s Air Force

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a large-scale celebration Friday at Kalma Airport, home to the 59th Kil Yong Jo Hero Flying Group under the 2nd Air Wing, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Accompanying him was his daughter, Kim Ju-ae — widely regarded by observers as his heir — marking her first public appearance since attending a military parade in Beijing, China, in early September.

State media photos released by the Rodong Sinmun showed Kim, dressed in a long leather coat, alongside Ju-ae as they observed an air show and toured a display of military assets. Exhibits included unmanned aircraft, mobile missile launchers, and an airborne early-warning and control (AEWC) aircraft unveiled earlier this year.

In his address, Kim announced that the air force “would be given new strategic military assets and entrusted with a new important duty,” without specifying the capabilities. He emphasized the force’s critical role in “the exercise of the nuclear war deterrent,” and stressed that it must “resolutely repulse and control all sorts of espionage acts and possible military provocations of the enemies to encroach upon the sovereign airspace.”

KCNA separately highlighted Kim’s remarks on the air force’s expanding responsibilities in nuclear deterrence, signaling Pyongyang’s intent to diversify platforms supporting its nuclear strategy.

In recent years, North Korea has accelerated the modernization of its conventional military forces. Earlier this year, the country conducted its first live-fire air-to-air drill with fighter jets in May and unveiled a domestically produced AEWC aircraft in March.

Friday’s event included an aerial demonstration, an art performance, and the awarding of the Kim Jong Il Order — the nation’s highest military honor — to the air force. Kim also indicated that additional “new strategic assets” would be delivered, signaling continued investment in advanced air capabilities.

Experts say the ceremony underscores North Korea’s ongoing post-nuclear-force modernization efforts.

“After completing its nuclear force development, North Korea showcased naval enhancement early this year and is now highlighting the expansion of its airpower at year’s end,” said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies.

Ahead of the Ninth Party Congress, expected early next year, Pyongyang appears focused on presenting a balanced portfolio of nuclear, missile, and conventional capabilities. The new fighter aircraft and platforms hinted at by Kim likely reflect Russian support, recalling North Korea’s historical reliance on Soviet-supplied MiG fighters.

Yang noted that Kim’s visit to Kalma — also a coastal resort area — likely combined military oversight with a brief family retreat, aimed at consolidating public sentiment ahead of the congress. Ju-ae’s appearance, he added, may become more selective as Pyongyang gauges reactions to her growing visibility.

Analysts also highlighted the display of long-range precision strike capabilities, including North Korea’s first public unveiling of a Taurus-type long-range air-to-ground missile. State media images showed the weapon mounted on a Su-25K attack aircraft.

“This is the first time North Korea has unveiled a domestic variant resembling the German Taurus or the Russian Kh-59MK2,” said Hong Min, senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. He noted that its design suggests a range of 200 to 500 kilometers, GPS/INS and terrain-matching guidance, and low-altitude glide capability for long-range precision strikes against South Korea–US defenses.

Hong said the missile could eventually be integrated onto MiG-29 fighters, while deployment of North Korea’s new air-to-air missiles will depend on modernizing the radar and sensor suites of its frontline aircraft. He suggested that Kim’s reference to “new strategic military assets” likely includes advanced air-launched cruise missiles, precision-guided bombs, medium-range air-to-air missiles, and Hellfire-type guided munitions.

Kim’s emphasis on the air force’s role in nuclear deterrence may signal dual missions: deterring South Korean and US strategic assets, or preparing for potential air-launched nuclear integration.

Analysts agree the display reflects broader structural changes in North Korea’s military posture. Yang said Pyongyang is pursuing comprehensive conventional modernization ahead of the party congress, while Hong emphasized the strategic elevation of the air force, expansion of unmanned strike and reconnaissance assets, and a more offensive stance toward US–South Korea intelligence and surveillance capabilities.