On Friday, North Korea’s state media, including the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), shared images of Kim Ju Ai, the 12-year-old daughter of Kim Jong Un, reportedly driving a military tank.
These images accompanied a report on Kim Jong Un’s involvement in “offensive tactics training,” geared towards evaluating a new tank’s capabilities against drone and missile threats. Military analysts suggest that these tank advancements may have been influenced by North Korea’s involvement supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict. In April 2025, Kim Jong Un disclosed that he had authorized the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia’s Kursk region, an area previously counterattacked by Ukraine in 2024. Prior to this approval, evidence of North Korea’s military presence had surfaced during the war.
According to KCNA, Kim and his daughter attended training at a base on Thursday, where they observed and presumably took part in drills designed to familiarize themselves with tactical operations for coordinated assaults.
As the training commenced, various attack drones simulated assaults on enemy command installations and anti-tank positions, utilizing real-time data, KCNA stated. The tanks purportedly intercepted all anti-tank missiles and drones from varying angles, showcasing the effectiveness of their advanced defense systems.
Reportedly, Kim Jong Un stated the training was crucial given the threat of “actual war.”
The KCNA coverage highlighted his pride in unveiling the new main battle tank, asserting its superiority in combat efficiency, striking power, and defensive capabilities, claiming it is “unparalleled in the world.” He voiced confidence that their forces would be equipped with these powerful tanks.
While KCNA’s English report didn’t mention Kim Ju Ai specifically, the footage does seem to depict her behind the wheel of the tank, with her father beside her.
A South Korean newspaper, JoongAng Ilbo, noted that the tank test coincided with the conclusion of the Freedom Shield exercises held jointly by South Korea and the U.S., which North Korea consistently criticizes. Experts identified this tank as one first presented during a military parade in October.
“This exercise is significant as it demonstrates North Korea’s adaptation to modern warfare, specifically in countering drones and anti-tank missiles,” commented Professor Lim Eul-chul from Kyungnam University. “The new technology featured in this tank likely stems from insights gained during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.”
Highlighting the younger Kim—who may play a role in military matters—aligns with reports that Kim Jong Un has considered her as a potential successor. Since its inception, North Korea has perpetuated a cult of personality around the Kim family through coercive measures. The leadership has passed from Kim Il Sung to Kim Jong Il, and now to Kim Jong Un. Yet, Kim Jong Un’s own upbringing was relatively private, having been sent to Europe for education. In contrast, Kim Ju Ai is notably the first female figure to be showcased prominently in North Korean propaganda.
“The release of images of Ju Ai handling weapons and operating a tank seems to be a calculated move to craft her image as a ‘military genius,’ attuned to contemporary warfare,” said Professor Lim. “This represents a shift from being merely an observer to embodying a ‘warrior’ and ‘commander,’ furthering the succession narrative.”
Recently, Kim Ju Ai has started to regularly participate in her father’s military events. Just last week, she joined him at a celebration for a successful test of a 600mm ultra-precision multiple rocket launcher, which was touted by state media as a complete success. Earlier, state media published images of her and her father trying out homemade firearms at a shooting range.
While North Korea continuously issues threats towards South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., Kim Jong Un hasn’t escalated tensions since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. Trump and Kim had three meetings, with reports suggesting a cordial relationship. Notably, Kim congratulated Trump after a thwarted assassination attempt in 2024.
