SEOUL, South Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally participated in training exercises alongside his troops to operate recently developed battle tanks, emphasizing the need for heightened preparedness for potential conflict, state media reported on Thursday.
The drills, which took place on Wednesday, aimed to assess the combat capabilities of tank crews, featuring the deployment of a new-type main battle tank hailed by Kim as “the world’s most powerful,” according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Amid ongoing South Korean-U.S. military exercises, perceived by North Korea as rehearsal for invasion, the North’s tank maneuvers were interpreted as a direct response.
During the training, heavy tanks engaged in simulated combat scenarios, with Kim himself operating one of the new tanks, contributing to what KCNA described as “the high militant spirit” of the army’s tank crews.
Earlier, North Korea’s Defense Ministry pledged to undertake “responsible military activities” in reaction to the joint drills, with Kim later overseeing artillery firing drills. These exercises come amid heightened tensions exacerbated by North Korea’s intensified weapons testing since early 2022, aimed at bolstering its nuclear and missile capabilities.
The U.S. and South Korea have expanded their training exercises, including a trilateral drill involving Japan, prompting concerns over a potential escalation in rhetoric and actions, particularly as major elections loom in both the United States and South Korea.
Analysts suggest that Kim’s strategy likely revolves around leveraging North Korea’s upgraded arsenal to secure concessions, such as significant relief from international sanctions.
