Headlines

North Korea's Kim leads offensive tactical drill with new tanks, KCNA says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on March 19, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: April 1, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
North Korea's Kim leads offensive tactical drill with new tanks, KCNA says
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

SEOUL, March 20 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised an offensive tactical drill of a new type of tanks that demonstrated superior attack and defence capabilities against drones and

North Korean leader's teenage daughter drives tank in latest public appearance

Kim Jong Un's Daughter Ju Ae Steps into the Spotlight

By Jack Kim

Ju Ae's Recent Public Appearances

SEOUL, March 20 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter drove an army tank with her father sitting behind her in photos from state news agency KCNA on Friday, with analysts suggesting she may be training to succeed him.

Kim's daughter, known as Ju Ae and believed to be around 13 years old, has been making increasingly frequent public appearances with her father in recent months.

Iconic Tank Photos

In the latest photos, she is seen looking out the driver's hatch with an expression of intent focus and her hair blowing, while her grinning father leans against the turret and three uniformed military officers sit on the hull.

Other Military Activities

Earlier this month, she was seen at a firing range aiming a rifle, and on a separate occasion was photographed shooting a handgun.

Official Confirmation

There has been no official confirmation by the North of her name or age.

Kim Jong Un's Military Modernization Efforts

Tank Drill Supervision

Kim on Thursday supervised a drill of a new type of tank, which demonstrated superior offensive and defensive capabilities against drones and anti-tank missiles, according to the KCNA report.

Strategic and Conventional Weapons Development

Kim has in recent years pursued the modernization of the country's conventional weapons, including tactical missiles, alongside the development of a strategic arsenal that includes long-range ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Chris Reese and Kevin Buckland)

Key Takeaways

  • Kim Jong Un directed a drill showcasing next‑generation North Korean tanks with advanced defense against drones and anti‑tank missiles, emphasizing their dual offensive and defensive roles.
  • The exercise signals a strategic push to modernize North Korea’s armored forces, underlining the regime’s focus on domestic defense‑industry advancement.
  • Recent developments—including upgraded Cheonma‑2 tanks with active protection systems and modern optics—contextualize the drill as part of wider armored warfare enhancements.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led the recent North Korean tactical tank drill?
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the offensive tactical drill.
What did the new North Korean tanks demonstrate during the drill?
The tanks demonstrated superior attack and defence capabilities, particularly against drones and anti-tank missiles.
Which news agency reported on North Korea’s modernized tank drill?
The drill was reported by the KCNA, North Korea's state news agency.
What did the tank drill showcase about North Korea's military industry?
It showcased a modernized tank industry with advancements in defense and attack technologies.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Headlines

Explore more articles in the Headlines category