North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased strategic bombers with nuclear capabilities, along with hypersonic missiles and warships, while being accompanied by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Saturday. Shoigu greeted Kim upon his arrival at the Knevichi Airport, located about 50 kilometers from the Pacific coast city of Vladivostok. Kim then reviewed the honor guard.
The Russian Defense Ministry released a video featuring a portion of Kim's tour, during which he examined the strategic bombers "Tu-160," "Tu-95MS," and "Tu-22M3." The commander of the Russian Air Force's long-range aviation, Sergei Kobylash, briefed the North Korean leader on the characteristics and combat capabilities of strategic missile carriers, as well as the aerial and technical capabilities of the hypersonic "Kinzhal" missile carriers.
Kim also visited the frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov" of the Russian Pacific Fleet and learned about its weapons and features. The Korean Central News Agency reported that "the North Korean leader expressed admiration for the rapid development of Russian aviation technology, surpassing potential external threats" during his visit to a Russian fighter jet manufacturing plant.
Kim met with test pilots in the aircraft assembly workshop and boarded a Su-57 fighter jet to receive a detailed explanation of the aircraft's technical specifications and flight performance. He also boarded a plane produced by the factory to learn about its performance and observed the test flight of a Su-35 fighter jet.
The North Korean leader is expected to continue his visit to Russia on Saturday, with a possible trip to Vladivostok in the eastern part of the country and a naval base.
