North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday saw and inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships. He was also accompanied by Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, reported news agency Reuters. Kim was greeted by Shoigu in the country’s Knevichi airfield, which is about 50 km (30) miles from the Pacific city of Vladivostok. The minister also saluted Kim, who later inspected a guard of honour. This visit by the North Korean leader took place at a time when the US and South Korea have been apprehensive about the revival of Moscow’s friendship with Pyongyang.
Kim Jong Un has arrived at Knevichi airfield near Vladivostok, accompanied by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The North Korean leader was shown modern aviation equipment of the Russian Aerospace Forces, including a MiG-31I missile carrier pic.twitter.com/NTnbN6KYiD
— RT (@RT_com) September 16, 2023
Russian President Vladimir Puitin’s Defence Minister also showed Kim Russia’s strategic bombers – the Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3. All these have the capacity to carry out nuclear weapons and form the backbone of Russia’s nuclear air attack force, said Russia’s defence ministry.
During the inspection, Shoigu said one of the aircraft “can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again,” reported Reuters. During the inspection, Kim was seen smiling many times while asking about how the missiles were fired from the aircraft.
Russia’s Defence Minister also showed him the MiG-31I supersonic interceptor aircraft equipped with “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles. The Kinzhal, or dagger, which is an air-launched ballistic missile, has the power to carry out nuclear or conventional warheads.
They have a range of 1,500 to 2,000 km (930-1,240 miles) while carrying a payload of 480 kg (1,100 pounds). It may also travel at up to 10 times the speed of sound (12,000 kph, 7,700 mph). Later, Kim also saw the warship of Russia’s Pacific fleet in Vladivostok, where he was also supposed to watch a demonstration by the Russian navy.
Reacting strongly on the matter, South Korea and the United States earlier on Friday said the military relations and cooperation between North Korea and Russia were against the U.N. sanctions against Pyongyang. They also warned that the allies would make sure a price was paid for that. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday also visited a Russian fighter jet factory which is under sanctions imposed by the West.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim met on Wednesday and discussed multiple military matters such as the war in Ukraine and deepening cooperation. Later, Putin also said that Russia was “not going to violate anything.” However, he said they would continue to develop relations with North Korea.