North Korea showcases its air force strength.

Satellite imagery recently released by NPR shows a squadron of North Korean military aircraft lined up neatly.

Satellite imagery shows dozens of military aircraft lined up neatly at Wonsan International Airport near North Korea's east coast.

These images were taken on November 11th and 13th, and then thoroughly analyzed by experts at 38 North, a website specializing in research on North Korea.

The aircraft in North Korea's air show were quite diverse, including fighter jets, helicopters, transport aircraft, and attack aircraft, among which were 14 Su-25s. Compared to previous air shows organized by North Korea, the military aircraft fleet in this display was significantly larger. However, experts at 38 North believe that North Korea's air force capabilities are far inferior to those of South Korea, whose newest aircraft are 30-40 years old. Unlike nuclear weapons and missiles, North Korea's military aircraft development capabilities are not highly regarded.

A Su-25 during an air show in Wonsan in 2016.

However, given the close proximity of the aircraft, experts believe it is unlikely that these planes were performing an aerial display, but rather serving as part of an inspection tour by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. North Korea understands that every move within the country is closely monitored by the US through its extensive satellite network, so this display could also be a signal from North Korea to the US that it is impatient with the slow pace of diplomatic progress between the two sides. This assessment is plausible because North Korea held similar displays between 2014 and 2017. However, this activity was suspended throughout 2018 and almost all of 2019, coinciding with the periods when the US and North Korea held two summit meetings.