North Korean leader oversees artillery drills amid military readiness push PHOTO

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw an artillery firing contest conducted by front-line sub-units of the Korean People's Army (KPA) on May 29, as part of a broader push to enhance combat readiness across the country's military.

The drills, held during ongoing intensive training exercises, are aligned with the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea’s stated goal of building what it calls a “powerful army” in a “new era.” The event featured artillery units from large combined forces demonstrating their firing capabilities under simulated combat conditions, Caliber.Az reports per North Korean media.

Senior military officials, including Pak Jong Chon, secretary of the Central Committee of the WPK and vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, accompanied Kim during the event. He was greeted on the spot by No Kwang Chol, minister of National Defence of the DPRK, Ri Yong Gil, chief of the General Staff of the KPA, Jong Kyong Thaek, director of the General Political Bureau of the KPA, and other commanding officers of the Ministry of National Defence and military and political commanding officers of large combined units of the KPA.

According to state media, the contest aimed to evaluate the performance of artillery units and their preparedness for modern warfare scenarios. Kim Jong Un reportedly praised the participating units for their accuracy and discipline, emphasising the importance of frequent and realistic training exercises.

North Korea has increasingly highlighted military drills and weapons development in recent years, amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and growing focus on strategic deterrence.

By Sabina Mammadli