North Korea staged major celebrations on November 28 to mark the 80th founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) Air Force, with leader Kim Jong Un attending a series of events at Kalma Airport on the east coast.
Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter, inspected the air base before laying flowers at a memorial dedicated to Kil Yong Jo, a celebrated Korean War pilot. He was greeted by senior military officials, including Air Chief Marshal Kim Kwang Hyok and Air Marshal Om Ju Ho, as members of the Air Force lined the runway in a formal reception.
The North Korean national anthem was played as Kim reviewed an honour guard and met Air Force personnel. Senior political and military figures were also present for the welcome ceremony.
A large aerial demonstration followed, featuring fighter jets and formations marking the anniversary. The programme included low-altitude passes, coordinated manoeuvres and coloured vapour trails. North Korean state media highlighted the participation of two female pilots involved in the display.
After the demonstration, Kim Jong Un met the pilots, praising their skill and holding a group photo session with service members.
A commemorative meeting was later held in his presence, attended by officials from the Workers’ Party of Korea, the Ministry of National Defence, Air Force commanders, pilots, and invited veterans. Air Chief Marshal Kim Kwang Hyok delivered an anniversary report recounting the Air Force’s development and its role in the country’s military structure.
Kim Jong Un then delivered a speech reflecting on the Air Force’s 80-year history, its role in past conflicts, and its position within North Korea’s defence strategy. State media quoted him as saying the Air Force would receive new strategic tasks and assets and referenced its expected role within the country’s broader deterrence posture.
During the ceremony, the Air Force was awarded the Order of Kim Jong Il by decree of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly. Kim Jong Un presented the medal and certificate to the service’s leadership.
The commemorations continued with an art performance at the Myongsasimni Theatre, attended by Kim Jong Un and Air Force personnel. Later in the evening, a banquet hosted by the Ministry of National Defence brought together senior officers, pilots, and veterans.
The events concluded a full day of activities marking the 80th anniversary, which North Korea framed as a tribute to the Air Force’s history and its role in the country’s military development.
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