"Pilots Who Set Everything Ablaze on Command"
North Korean Military Fully Mobilized for Aviation Festival
Commander Kim Kwang-hyuk Honored as 'Hero'
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, encouraged the Air Force pilots involved in last month's protest flights targeting South Korea by holding a large-scale promotion ceremony and taking commemorative photos.
Korean Central News Agency reported on the 1st, "The Aviation Day commemorative event was held in Pyongyang on November 28 and 29."
The agency stated, "Comrade Kim Jong-un, on the occasion of Aviation Day, called 705 pilots from over 20 regiments within 5 divisions who directly participated in the total combat deployment operation of the Air Force flight units, mobilizing 500 various fighter jets for 3 hours and 47 minutes on November 4, to the headquarters building of the Party Central Committee, warmly congratulating and encouraging them."
North Korea carried out protest flights on November 4 in response to the South Korea-U.S. joint air exercise 'Vigilant Storm.' At that time, the Joint Chiefs of Staff identified flight paths of about 180 North Korean military aircraft and took countermeasures.
General Secretary Kim praised, "The invincible aerial myth is created not by any advanced fighter jet but by pilots armed with an indomitable spirit," adding, "Having brave pilots who have internalized a resolute enemy perspective and Juche-oriented war view, who, at the Party's command, break through thousands of miles of clouds and fire to completely burn down the strongholds of invasion, is a great pride of our Party, country, and people."
He continued, "The remarkable military feats of the People's Air Force, which resolutely defended the homeland's airspace, will shine forever as a historic great victory in the annals of our country," emphasizing, "I am confident that Air Force soldiers will continue to reliably guarantee the strengthening of national defense, safeguarding national dignity, and enhancing national prestige by illuminating the prime era of Juche-based air power with passionate loyalty, fearless bravery, and heroic combat spirit."
Additionally, in a congratulatory message to Air Force combat pilots, commanding officers, and all personnel on Aviation Day, Kim stated, "2022 can proudly be called the year of our People's Air Force and the year of Air Force victory," and presented "combat tasks aimed at completing a full readiness posture to respond immediately and powerfully to any military crisis," according to the news agency.
Orders from the Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea to promote Air Force commanding officers and combat pilots were delivered, and military ranks and dress uniforms of a higher grade were awarded. Kim Kwang-hyok, Commander of the Air and Anti-Air Force, received the title of 'Hero' along with a gold star medal and the first-class National Flag Order, while medals and decorations were awarded to Air Force commanders and pilots.
North Korea has commemorated November 29 as 'Aviation Day' since 2012, marking the day when President Kim Il-sung founded the aviation unit in 1945. Key military figures such as Pak Jong-chon, Secretary of the Party Central Committee; Ri Yong-gil, Minister of Defense; Jong Kyong-thaek, Director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army; and Ri Tae-sop, Chief of the General Staff, all attended the event. North Korean media also reported that a grand banquet was held alongside joint performances by the Ministry of Defense Ensemble, Navy Ensemble, and Air Force Ensemble, indicating Kim Jong-un's significant attention to this event.
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