| 16 September 2023
| Christie Anto
Artyom, Russia - In a significant development that has raised eyebrows across the globe, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has embarked on a tour of Russian military and technological facilities, with a particular focus on hypersonic missiles and nuclear-capable bombers. This visit, as reported by Russian-language news media, underscores the growing strategic ties between North Korea and Russia.
Kim's journey through Russia's Far East began with his arrival in the city of Artyom, situated approximately 25 miles northeast of Vladivostok. Russian Primorsky region Governor Oleg Kozhemyako greeted Kim as he disembarked from his private, armored train, capturing the moment on video, where Kim was seen smiling and receiving flowers from local children.
Upon his arrival in Artyom, Kim proceeded to Vladivostok airport, where he was given an exclusive tour by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and other high-ranking military officials. During this visit, Kim was introduced to Russia's latest military innovation - the hypersonic Kinzhal missile, whose name translates to 'dagger' in Russian. This air-launched ballistic missile has the capability to carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and is reported to have a range of 930 to 1,240 miles, with a payload capacity of 1,100 pounds. What sets the Kinzhal apart is its staggering speed, capable of reaching up to 7,700 mph, nearly ten times the speed of sound.
Furthermore, Kim was shown three models of Russia's strategic bombers - the Tu-160, Tu-95, and Tu-22M3 - aircraft that have been actively used by Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Minister Shoigu emphasized the extensive reach of these bombers, stating, "It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again." Kim inquired about the missile launch mechanisms, to which a Russian official explained that these bombers played a pivotal role in Russia's nuclear deterrent.
Kim's Russian tour began on Wednesday with a summit meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome spaceport, followed by a visit to a plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur that produces Russia's advanced Su-57 fighter jets. During this visit, Kim lauded Russia's aviation technology advancements, expressing his "sincere regard" for their capabilities, which he believed were surpassing potential threats. This statement garnered significant attention from Russian media.
The potential for military cooperation between Russia and North Korea in the aftermath of Kim's visit has sparked interest among experts. They suggest that this could include efforts to modernize North Korea's outdated air force, which has relied heavily on Soviet-era warplanes from the 1980s.
Kim's itinerary also includes a visit to Russian naval ships in Vladivostok, further underscoring the strategic nature of his visit.
While Putin and Kim discussed military matters and the war in Ukraine during their summit, Putin made it clear to reporters that Russia had no intention of violating longstanding United Nations sanctions imposed on North Korea. However, the United States has raised concerns that Russia may be advancing in talks with North Korea to gain access to artillery and rockets, which could potentially be used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
As the world watches closely, Kim Jong Un's tour of Russia's military and technological prowess has undoubtedly raised questions about the evolving geopolitical landscape and the implications of this strategic engagement between North Korea and Russia.
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