North Korea appears to be clearing existing facilities at the Panghyon Airbase in North Pyongan Province in preparation for a large-scale military drone demonstration, NK News, a U.S.-based outlet specializing in North Korean affairs, reported on July 15 (local time).

An analysis of data from the commercial satellite imagery provider Planet Labs by NK News revealed that aircraft blast walls and mounds of earth along the runways and taxiways at the Panghyon Airbase were removed between June 18 and July 5.

In their place, two six-row grandstands capable of accommodating hundreds of people have been installed, facing the eastern end of the runway. A new multi-story building, believed to be for VIPs such as General Secretary Kim Jong Un, has also been constructed between the seating stands.

The construction is reportedly in its final stages.

NK News suggested that these developments indicate North Korea is preparing for a large-scale military drone demonstration for high-ranking officials.

The analysis suggests it is highly likely that military authorities began clearing and renovating aging facilities ahead of an event expected to receive extensive coverage from state media.

In particular, there is speculation that such an event could be held on July 27, the anniversary of the signing of the 1953 Korean War Armistice Agreement.

North Korea commemorates this day as the Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War, marking its victory against the United States.

There are also projections that North Korea may attempt to demonstrate small suicide attack drones to showcase drone technology acquired through its recent participation in the war in Ukraine on the side of Russia.

The North Korean military is known to have accumulated operational experience with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) after encountering Iranian-made Shahed unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) during the war in Ukraine.

In March of this year, the new unmanned strategic reconnaissance aircraft, Saetbyol-4 and Saetbyol-9, were captured side-by-side for the first time at the Research, Test, Development, and Engineering (RTD&E) facility for UAVs at the Panghyon Airbase.

There is also a possibility that the North Korean Air Force could hold an air show utilizing fighter jets stationed around the runway.

Satellite imagery analysis firm SI Analytics previously reported that fighter jets deployed at the Panghyon base were seen having recently completed maintenance at a factory within the facility.

(Photo: Captured from Korean Central Television, Yonhap News)