A significant number of trucks, likely intended for troop transport, have been spotted at North Korea’s Mirim Airport in Pyongyang. Given that Mirim Airport is typically used for parade preparations, analysts suggest a military parade could be held within the next few months.
On June 26, NK News, a U.S.-based media outlet focusing on North Korean affairs, reported their analysis of satellite imagery from the commercial service Planet Labs. The images, taken on June 22-23, revealed a large concentration of vehicles resembling troop transport trucks in the parking area of Mirim Airport. NK News estimates the presence of approximately 125 to 150 trucks.
The satellite imagery also captured the movement of materials around a structure modeled after Kim Il Sung Square within the base. Analysts believe this activity is related to the installation of propaganda materials, a key component of parade preparations.
In recent weeks, unusual activity has also been detected in a separate high-security zone at Mirim Airport. Satellite photos indicate that since June 2, construction work has been ongoing on the roof of what appears to be a weapons storage facility.
NK News highlighted that for the military parade held in February this year, personnel and vehicles arrived approximately 16 weeks in advance. For last October’s parade, they arrived about 14 weeks ahead. Major parades in 2022 and 2023 typically involved 8 to 10 weeks of preliminary rehearsals.
The outlet also noted that parades featuring only small arms or those with a strong paramilitary focus had shorter rehearsal periods, ranging from 2 to 5 weeks. Considering these historical patterns and upcoming significant dates in North Korea, NK News speculates that a military parade might be held on one of three key dates: July 27 (known as Victory Day, marking the armistice agreement), September 9 (regime foundation day), or October 10 (Workers’ Party founding anniversary).