North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited an important tank factory and expressed his satisfaction with the significant advances in self-developed tank technology, the state news agency KCNA reported on May 4.
During the visit, Mr. Kim emphasized that the production of modern tanks and armored vehicles plays a key role in modernizing the North Korean armed forces. He described it as a core part of the ruling party's plan to carry out a "second revolution in the armed forces".
The visit comes as North Korea steps up efforts to upgrade its regular army, in parallel with developing a nuclear and missile arsenal. Recently, Mr. Kim Jong-un attended the launching ceremony of a new ship area and supervised tests related to drones and many other weapons.
Mr. Kim Jong-un's continuous appearances at military and defense industry events show that North Korea is focusing more than ever on strengthening its military in the context of many regional and world uncertainties.
His recent statements also demonstrate the ambition to improve the military's combat capabilities, not only relying on nuclear power but also on the modern equipment platform of the armed forces and high-tech weapons developed by North Korea itself.
