He said producing cutting-edge tanks and armoured vehicles is key to modernising the army and reaching the ruling party’s plan for “the second revolution in armoured force.”

Kim’s visit comes amid a broader push to modernise North Korea’s conventional armed forces in addition to its nuclear and missile arsenals. The North Korean leader recently attended the launch of a new naval destroyer and tests of new drones, among other weapons.

South Korean and US officials have said they suspect the North is receiving some technical and military help from Russia in return for sending ammunition, missiles, and troops for the war in Ukraine, but no details have been confirmed.