Kim Jong-un Directs Fighter Jets On-site... Determined to 'Shoot Down' US-ROK Reconnaissance Planes

Relieving Residents' Security Concerns Amid Continuous Military Movements
"Deeply Moved by Pilots' Hard Work and Dedication"

On the 12th, Korean Central TV reported that Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, inspected the Pursuit Attack Aircraft Regiment under the Western District Air and Anti-Aircraft Corps. Kim Jong-un is seen smiling brightly as he looks at the lined-up fighter jets and pilots.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un inspected a fighter-bomber regiment of the Air Force ahead of the Supreme People's Assembly session. This is interpreted as an expression of determination to shoot down South Korean air force enhancements and the U.S. military's constant reconnaissance over the Korean Peninsula if necessary.

On the 12th, North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency reported, "Supreme Leader Comrade Kim Jong-un inspected the fighter-bomber regiment under the Western District Air and Anti-Air Force Division."

During the inspection, Chairman Kim assessed the readiness of the fighter jets for sortie and the status of air defense missions over the Western District airspace, then praised the efforts of the fighter-bomber regiment, the agency said. He also met with the top pilots and exchanged conversations.

The combat pilots demonstrated flying at ultra-low altitude over the command post where Kim was standing. They also conducted air combat training by chasing, tracking, and eliminating aerial targets.

Watching this, Chairman Kim said, "I am deeply moved by the dedication and devotion of the pilots who are always faithful to the Party's orders and calls. I send my regards to all the combat pilots, soldiers, and their families in the regiment."

Earlier, around the 9th, Kim also led artillery firing training near Pyongyang. His recent low-intensity military activities ahead of the Supreme People's Assembly are interpreted as efforts to alleviate security concerns and strengthen internal unity by demonstrating that national defense capabilities remain intact amid growing social unrest due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies analyzed, "The on-site guidance of the fighter-bomber regiment appears to be training to counter South Korea's introduction of the Global Hawk (high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft) and U.S. reconnaissance planes. Kim's direct on-site guidance expresses his will to shoot down South Korean or U.S. reconnaissance aircraft if spotted."

The inspection was accompanied by Ri Pyong-chol, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee in charge of military affairs; Pak Jong-chon, Chief of the General Staff; Kim Jong-sik, Vice Minister in charge of military industry; and other Party Central Committee officials. Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the North Korean Workers' Party and Kim Jong-un's younger sister, was also seen accompanying him on Korean Central TV.

On the 12th, Korean Central TV reported that Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, inspected the Pursuit Attack Aircraft Regiment under the Western District Air and Anti-Aircraft Corps. He was accompanied by officials including Ri Pyong Chol, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee in charge of military affairs, and Pak Jong Chon, Chief of the General Staff.

The agency did not specify the location of the Air Force training, but the appearance of fighter jets presumed to be MiG-29s suggests the training took place in the western area near Pyongyang.

Locally, Kim Kwang-hyok, Commander of the Air and Anti-Air Force and Air Force General, and the commanders of the fighter-bomber regiment welcomed them.

Chairman Kim appeared in light attire, wearing a white shirt and beige pants, the same outfit as during the artillery firing training presumed to have taken place on the 9th.

Some officials wore masks, seemingly out of concern for COVID-19, but Chairman Kim was seen conversing with those around him without a mask.