North Korea Preparing Large-Scale Military Parade Ahead of Workers' Party 75th Anniversary

US North Korea Specialist Media 38 North Releases Satellite Images

▲Satellite image of Pyongyang Mirim Airfield released by 38 North, a U.S. North Korea specialist media [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] North Korea is reportedly preparing a large-scale military parade ahead of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party on the 10th of next month.

According to satellite images released on the 21st (local time) by the U.S.-based North Korea specialist media 38 North, more than 40 various vehicles were identified at the Mirim Airfield in Pyongyang. The images were taken on the afternoon of the 20th Korean time, and Mirim Airfield is where North Korea gathers equipment and troops in preparation for the military parade.

38 North reported that "preparations for the military parade are in full swing," noting that more than 40 vehicles expected to be used in the parade were observed on site.

One of the released photos shows about 25 vehicles lined up on the central road of an area modeled after Kim Il-sung Square within Mirim Airfield. These vehicles are estimated to include multiple rocket launcher vehicles, slightly smaller military vehicles, and trucks.

The photo also captured 14 objects on the east-west road south of the central road, presumed to be a motorcycle unit or a small troop detachment.

Another photo revealed that exterior construction work on a building presumed to be the accommodation for soldiers participating in the parade in the vehicle storage area had been completed. The same area also showed 16 barracks installed.

38 North explained, "Considering the scale of past military parades, the vehicles observed this time appear to be part of those to be showcased on the actual Workers' Party founding anniversary," adding, "The vehicle storage garage was large enough to accommodate mobile launchers."

Earlier, the Associated Press reported on the 17th, based on photos taken by the U.S. satellite imagery company Maxar, that North Korea is preparing a large-scale military parade despite strengthening measures against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Maxar's satellite images showed thousands of people forming formations at Kim Il-sung Square, creating words such as 'Heroic Youth' and 'Invincible in Battle.'

On the 15th, 38 North released satellite images showing thousands of troops gathered around the area modeled after Kim Il-sung Square within Mirim Airfield, with hundreds of mobile equipment vehicles neatly parked in nearby parking lots.