Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, conducted inspections of warplanes, toured an airfield, and visited a frigate from the Pacific Fleet in Vladivostok, Russia during his ongoing tour of the country. According to Russian state media, Kim met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the Knevichi airfield in Vladivostok and was later joined by Admiral Nikolai Evmenov, the commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy, during the visit to the Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov.
The ship's central command center and modern missile weapon control systems were showcased to the North Korean leader, as stated by the Russian Ministry of Defence via Telegram. Admiral Evmenov informed Kim about the enhanced capabilities of the new control systems, which enable the effective usage of Kalibr sea-based cruise missiles against sea and coastal targets over a distance of more than 1,500 kilometers from the ship.
Kim received a replica of the ship as a gift and left a comment in the guest book of the frigate afterward. However, the contents of his comment were not disclosed by the ministry.
This visit to Vladivostok marks the latest stop in Kim's tour of Russia and its Far East region, which comes after his recent meeting with President Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, the North Korean leader seemed to express support for Moscow's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
Speculation has arisen regarding possible military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang following the meeting.
On Saturday, the ministry stated that the frigate had been chosen to showcase the advancements in modernization within the Far East region, highlighting the impressive capabilities of the shipbuilding industry.
Kim and Shoigu visited the Knevichi airfield in Vladivostok, where they were given a tour of Russian aircraft such as Tu-160, Tu-95MS, and Tu-22M3, as reported by the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. Additionally, Kim had the opportunity to see fighter jets including Su-34, Su-30SM, and Su-35S, as well as the Su-25SM3 attack aircraft, according to RIA.
The Kinzhal hypersonic missile system and Russia's Tu-214 long-haul passenger airplane were also on display, it said.
Kim "deeply impressed'
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday that Kim was highly impressed by his recent visit to a Russian aircraft manufacturing plant. During his tour of the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Yuri Gagarin Aviation Plant, Kim was particularly struck by the advanced technology and self-sufficiency of the Russian aircraft manufacturing industry.
Kim visited the largest aviation manufacturing plant in Russia on Friday. He had the opportunity to meet test pilots, board a Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, and witness a test flight of the aircraft, as reported by KCNA. This facility is responsible for constructing and advancing warplanes for the ministry of defense, such as the Su-35S and Su-57 fighter jets, as confirmed by the Russian state media agency TASS. Notably, Kim's late father, Kim Jong Il, also visited this facility back in 2002.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits an aircraft manufacturing plant in the city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur in Russia on September 15, 2023.
KCNA/Reuters reported that during his visit on Friday, Kim expressed sincere appreciation for Russia's advanced aviation technology, noting its remarkable progress in outpacing external threats. He also conveyed his well wishes for the future development of the plant.
After the tour and lunch, Kim expressed his amazement at the swift progress of Russia's aviation technology and its immense potential in the visitor's book. He concluded the message by appending the date and his name.
In a press release issued by the Russian government on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov indicated that Moscow identified opportunities for collaboration in aircraft manufacturing and various other sectors with North Korea.
"This is especially relevant for achieving the tasks our countries face to achieve technological sovereignty," hesaid in a statement circulated on Telegram.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits an aircraft manufacturing plant in the city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur in Russia on September 15, 2023.
KCNA/Reuters
Mutual benefits
While exact details remain scant on what sorts of talks have taken place behind closed doors, observers say it's clear what each is looking for from the other.
Moscow is in dire need of new ammunition and shells as its conflict with Ukraine continues indefinitely, and it is rumored that Pyongyang has a substantial reserve. Simultaneously, North Korea, after enduring years of sanctions due to its nuclear weapons and missile initiatives, is also desperately seeking various resources ranging from energy to food to military technology, all of which Russia possesses.
During their meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Amur Region, a reporter inquired about Russia's assistance to North Korea in launching their own satellites and rockets. In response, Putin affirmed, "That is precisely the purpose of our visit."
Additionally, the Russian president acknowledged Kim's keen enthusiasm for space exploration and rocket technology, emphasizing their efforts in advancing their space capabilities.