Kim Jong-un Introduces ICBM to Russian Defense Minister... Discussed Arms Export?

North Korea's 'Armed Equipment Exhibition-2023' Venue
Kim Jong Un: "Struggle Against Imperialists"
Close North Korea-Russia Ties... Possible 'Weapons Export' Discussions

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, personally attended a weapons exhibition accompanied by a Russian military delegation visiting for the 70th anniversary of 'Victory Day.' By inspecting intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and other weapons, he declared a strong will for military cooperation both domestically and internationally, raising the possibility that arms exports were discussed.

According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 27th, Kim visited the 'Armed Equipment Exhibition-2023' venue the previous day together with the Russian military delegation led by Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu. KCNA reported that Kim Jong-un emphasized the "struggle to defend the sovereignty and developmental interests of the two countries against the coercion and tyranny of imperialists and to realize international justice and peace," expressing views on issues of mutual interest.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un Visits Weapons Exhibition with Russian Defense Minister

Photos released by North Korean media showed that the exhibition featured weapons resembling advanced American drones such as the Global Hawk and Predator. Various ICBMs, including the 'Hwasong-18,' were also displayed. KCNA explained that the exhibition was held by the Ministry of Defense to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory Day. This event was revealed for the first time on this day, following a similar event named the 'Defense Development Exhibition' held in 2021.

Defense Minister Kang Sun-nam welcomed Kim Jong-un at the site, and top party and government officials including Kim Deok-hoon, Jo Yong-won, Choe Ryong-hae, and Ri Pyong-chol also attended. Additionally, commanders from the Ministry of Defense and military political commanders from the Korean People's Army's large combined units and joint units were present.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un Visits Weapons Exhibition with Russian Defense Minister

Prior to this, Kim Jong-un received the Russian military delegation at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee. KCNA reported that during the meeting, "while deeply recalling the long-standing history of Korea-Russia friendship, they exchanged evaluations and opinions on issues of mutual interest in the field of defense and security, as well as on the regional and international security environment," and that "both sides reached a consensus."

The specific details of the meeting were not disclosed, but it is believed that evaluations were exchanged regarding the intensifying 'new Cold War' dynamics between the US-Japan-South Korea bloc and the North China-Russia bloc, triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, the possibility that North Korea's provision of weapons to Russia, which is engaged in war, was discussed cannot be ruled out.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.