Featured North Korean Military Parades and Weapon OSINT

[Soldier30]

The North Korean army conducted exercises using Chongma-20 (M2020) tanks, drones, and armored personnel carriers. Kim Jong-un attended the exercises with his daughter. A video shows Kim Jong-un explaining to his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, how to operate a tank.

 

[Soldier30]

North Korean special forces showed footage of their training, which was attended by Kim Jong-un. The North Korean leader stated that the army should follow the principle "the more you sweat in training, the less you will bleed in war."
The North Korean special forces demonstrated their physical fitness and combat skills as part of a competitive program.

 

[Soldier30]

North Korea conducted weapons testing of the destroyer Kang Gon. Kim Jong-un also participated in the tests, ordering the warship's commissioning within two months. The ship's combat capabilities were tested, including launches of strategic cruise missiles, firing of naval artillery, automatic cannons, and machine guns, as well as electronic warfare tests. The ship's air defenses were further enhanced with a large number of 14.5mm machine guns, which can also fire against naval drones. The Kang Gon is North Korea's second destroyer, with a displacement of approximately 5,500 tons.

 

[Soldier30]

Large-scale drone exercises have taken place in the DPRK. Advancements in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology were showcased to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at an exhibition. Accompanied by the country’s top military and political leadership, he visited the "Development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology – 2026" exhibition and observed large-scale military drills. The North Korean defense industry presented over 30 types of UAVs across all classes. Kim Jong Un ordered the continued development of unmanned aviation, setting a goal to achieve absolute superiority in this field. He identified the development and integration of artificial intelligence technologies as a key priority. Some of the displayed UAVs were utilized during demonstration strikes against stationary targets. Footage shows North Korean drones being launched and striking various targets—including Abrams tanks and self-propelled artillery—at a military testing ground. Based on the video, many of the North Korean drones appear similar to models originating from Russia, the United States, and Israel.