World

North Korea’s Kim Views Russian Nuclear-Capable Bombers, Hypersonic Missiles

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships on September 16, accompanied by President Vladimir Putin’s Defence Minister.

A smiling Mr. Kim was greeted in Russia’s Knevichi airfield, about 50 km (30) miles from the Pacific city of Vladivostok, by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who saluted Mr. Kim. The North Korean leader then inspected a guard of honour.

The United States and South Korea fear the revival of Moscow’s friendship with Pyongyang could give Mr. Kim access to some of Russia’s sensitive missile and other technology while helping arm Russia in its war in Ukraine.

Mr. Shoigu showed Kim Mr. Russia’s strategic bombers — the Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 — which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons and form the backbone of Russia’s nuclear air attack force, Russia’s Defence Ministry said.

“It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again,” Mr. Shoigu told Mr. Kim of one aircraft.

Mr. Kim was shown asking about how the missiles were fired from the aircraft, at times nodding and smiling.

Mr. Shoigu showed him the MiG-31I supersonic interceptor aircraft equipped with “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles. The Kinzhal, or dagger, is an air-launched ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads.

It has a reported range of 1,500 to 2,000 km (930-1,240 miles) while carrying a payload of 480 kg (1,100 pounds). It may travel at up to 10 times the speed of sound (12,000 kph, 7,700 mph).

With input source

Kavya Bhatt

Recent Posts

Civil Defence Exercise Under ‘Operation Shield’ Postponed In Rajasthan And Gujarat; To Proceed In Haryana

The civil defence exercise scheduled in Rajasthan and Gujarat for May 29 has been postponed…

7 hours ago

India’s Growth More Stable In FY26 And FY27 As China Falters: EY Report

India’s growth is projected at 6.2% in FY26 and 6.3% in FY27, while China’s outlook…

7 hours ago

Lokpal Gives Clean Chit To Former SEBI Chief Madhabi Puri Buch

The anti-corruption ombudsman, Lokpal, on Wednesday dismissed all complaints against former SEBI chief Madhabi Puri…

8 hours ago

Radico Khaitan Withdraws ‘Trikal’ Whisky; Stock May See Pressure

Radico Khaitan has announced the immediate withdrawal of its new product 'Trikal' whisky following widespread…

9 hours ago

Assam Cabinet Approves Arms Licences For Citizens In Border Regions

To boost self-defence in sensitive border areas, the Assam Cabinet has approved arms licences for…

9 hours ago

Chennai Reports Covid-19 Fatality As 60-Year-Old Dies At Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital

A 60-year-old man receiving treatment for Covid-19 at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in…

10 hours ago