DPRK leader inspects nuclear-capable aircraft on Russia tour

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Sep 2023 10:53

DPRK leader Kim Jong-un has visited Vladivostok's Knevichi airfield, where he was shown a range of strategic aircraft by Russia's Defense Minister.

In this image taken from a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, DPRK’s leader listens to the Russian Defense Minister as he inspects Russian warplanes in Vladivostok. (AP)

DPRK leader Kim Jong-un paid a visit to Vladivostok's Knevichi airfield, accompanied by Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

During his visit, Kim had the opportunity to inspect various strategic aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Russian media reported that he examined the Tu-160, a supersonic strategic missile-carrying bomber, as well as the Tu-95MS, a turboprop strategic missile-carrying bomber. Additionally, Kim inspected the Tu-22M3, a long-range supersonic missile carrier bomber, and the Tu-214 passenger aircraft.

Lt. Gen. Sergey Kobylash, the commander of Long-Range Aviation in the Russian Aerospace Forces, provided Kim Jong-un with a briefing on the operational and technical capabilities of the system.

Subsequently, Kim Jong-un, accompanied by Sergei Shoigu, arrived in Vladivostok aboard the Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov. The frigate, constructed in the mid-1980s, has recently undergone upgrades and is now equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry. It is named after Borish Shaposhnikov, a WWII-era Marshal of the Soviet Union and a renowned military strategist.

Admiral Nikolai Evmenov, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, furnished detailed information regarding the cutting-edge control systems. These systems enable the utilization of Kalibr cruise missiles to target both maritime and coastal objectives, boasting an impressive operational range of up to 1,500 kilometers.

Kim Jong Un received a warm welcome from Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Space Center, situated in Russia's far eastern region, on Wednesday. During that time, the two leaders conducted high-level talks, with the presence of several top officials, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

During a televised interview for Russia-1 channel, Lavrov emphasized the commitment of both nations to establishing a mutually beneficial cooperation shielded from unlawful Western influence. "We and North Korea will develop, as confirmed by our leaders today, a mutually beneficial cooperation not susceptible to illegal Western pressure," Lavrov stated.

Negotiations between the two delegations, lasting approximately six hours, included a four-hour head-to-head discussion between the two leaders. This visit marks Kim Jong Un's second trip to Russia, with his previous visit taking place in 2019.

Putin made a significant observation regarding the timing of the meeting, emphasizing that it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In his opening remarks, he reiterated that Pyongyang holds a "priority" status for Moscow.