North Korea’s Kim observes artillery drills on key holiday
April 16, 2026
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed an artillery firing competition, while again skipping a traditional visit to a major state mausoleum.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a large-scale artillery firing competition on April 15, a major national holiday known as the "Day of the Sun," which commemorates the birthday of his grandfather and the nation's founder, Kim Il Sung. The exercises were held in the western region of the country and involved various artillery subunits of the Korean People's Army. According to state media reports, the event was organized to enhance the military's combat readiness and demonstrate its firepower on one of the country's most important anniversaries.
The drills were framed as a contest, with the artillery unit of the Capital City Defence Corps reportedly achieving the top ranking, followed by the KPA's 4th Corps. Kim Jong Un expressed his satisfaction with the "militant marksmanship" and "full war posture" of the participating units. He stressed that utilizing artillery forces is a critical factor in determining victory in any military conflict and called for the continued modernization of these forces under a new five-year defense development plan. The North Korean leader emphasized that the army should be solely focused on training to perfect its combat preparations.
While military parades have been a common feature of the Day of the Sun in the past, holding a competitive firing drill of this nature on the holiday itself is considered unusual. This has led some observers to speculate that the event was intended to send a strong message of military preparedness both domestically and internationally. An official from the South Korean unification ministry suggested the inspection was aimed at showcasing military power and bolstering internal solidarity. Kim's presence and direct oversight serve to project an image of strength and readiness to his people and the world.
The timing of the artillery drills is also significant, coming amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and increased international scrutiny of North Korea's weapons programs. In the days and weeks leading up to the holiday, North Korea conducted several other missile tests, including strategic cruise and anti-ship missiles. These activities are viewed by neighboring countries and the United States as destabilizing and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Japan's latest diplomatic bluebook described North Korea's military activities as a "grave and imminent threat."
The emphasis on military readiness during a traditionally festive holiday could also signal a subtle shift in North Korea's domestic messaging. In recent years, there have been indications that the state's propaganda is increasingly focusing on the current leader, Kim Jong Un, sometimes even downplaying the reverence for his predecessors. By personally directing a major military exercise on the Day of the Sun, Kim not only ties his leadership to the legacy of his grandfather but also positions himself as the central figure in the nation's ongoing pursuit of military strength.
Source: upi