North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s tour of Russia continued with a visit to an aviation factory specializing in the production of Russia’s cutting-edge fighter jets. The visit underscores Kim’s keen interest in advanced weaponry and marks another step in strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia, both of which are currently dealing with their own challenges concerning the Western world.
Kim received a grand welcome at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur station on Sept. 15, where he was then escorted to the Komsomolsk aviation plant, named in honor of Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet cosmonaut who was the first human in space. This facility plays a pivotal role in Russia’s aviation industry, responsible for crafting some of the most modern fighter jets globally, including the Su-35 and Su-57, in addition to civil aircraft.
During his visit, Kim had the opportunity to observe a demonstration flight of the Su-35, Russia’s advanced fighter jet. Photos released from the visit depict Kim closely examining the cockpit of the fighter jet, accompanied by explanations from a pilot regarding its controls.
Regional Governor Mikhail Degtyarev took to Twitter to emphasize the historical ties between Russia and North Korea, recalling their shared efforts in the past. “Our fathers and grandfathers fought together against Japanese militarism, our country supported North Korea in its fight against the United States’ imperialist ambitions in the 1950s, and today we jointly stand up to the pressure of the collective West,” he stated.
This visit isn’t the first instance of a Kim family member exploring the aviation plant. In 2002, Kim Jong Un’s late father, Kim Jong Il, also paid a visit, underlining the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
The trip further solidified Russo-North Korean relations, as Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov accompanied Kim during the tour. Manturov shared his thoughts on the matter, highlighting the potential for cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the aviation sector. “We have shown one of our leading aircraft plants to the leader of North Korea,” Manturov stated in an official Russian Cabinet release. “We are seeing potential for cooperation in the aircraft-making and other industries, which is particularly acute for solving our countries’ task of achieving technological sovereignty.”
Kim’s journey is set to continue with a visit to Vladivostok, where he will have the opportunity to inspect Russia’s Pacific Fleet, a local university, and other key facilities, as outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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