North Korea has bulldozed old features at a drone base in recent weeks and is close to wrapping up construction of large grandstands, likely ahead of military demonstrations for hundreds of officials, according to NK Pro analysis of satellite imagery.

Maxar and Planet Labs imagery shows the finishing touches were made on the new grandstands at Panghyon Airbase and the surrounding raised platform was paved in early July, suggesting an event could take place soon. The construction was first reported last month by SI Analytics.

Two grandstands have been built facing the east end of the airbase’s runway, each with six rows, likely for hundreds of people. A multi-story building has been built between them, possibly meant for VIPs like leader Kim Jong Un.

The grandstands could serve as a permanent feature of the airbase as they are made of concrete. The location and direction of the stands in relation to the runway suggest North Korea will hold major demonstrations of its larger combat and reconnaissance drones, which use the runway for takeoff and landing and are stored at a complex of hangars built at the base in 2024. 

The air force could also hold an airshow featuring older fighter jets that are still seen near the runway or aircraft from other bases. SI Analytics also reported that the jets stationed at Panghyon have recently undergone maintenance at a factory attached to the base.

One such event could take place on a major military holiday, like the upcoming July 27 anniversary of the Korean War armistice agreement. North Korea celebrates the date as its “victory” day over the U.S. and South Korea.

Tests or demonstrations of smaller “suicide” attack drones could utilize the stands as well, especially as North Korea seeks to disseminate lessons in drone warfare that soldiers have learned fighting against Ukraine. 

Previous tests of these weapons led by Kim Jong Un at Panghyon have taken place away from the main runway, so screens would likely be set up to show attendees video of targets in the area. Operational training like an exercise in March is more likely to take place at dedicated training bases.

Ongoing efforts to erase old features and clear land between the runway and taxiway also suggest the military may be trying to clean up the airbase before a showcase covered by state media.

Maxar and Planet Labs satellite imagery suggests that multiple old aircraft revetments and large square mounds running along the length of the runway and taxiway were bulldozed between June 18 and July 5. NK Pro reported in September about the initial efforts to remove these installations.

The land clearing could also precede wider renovations of the base and runway as it prepares to begin actively operating a fleet of drones, though the latest imagery has yet to show signs of a construction worker camp being established for such a project, like the one recently at the Rinsan airbase.

Edited by David Choi