North Korea Assembles 12,000 Troops for Parade Ahead of Ninth Party Congress

Updated 2026-02-20 05:55:34+00:00 (4 articles)

Image: Yonhap

This satellite imagery, provided by Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the main opposition People Power Party on Feb. 20, 2026, shows satellite imagery showing preparations for a military parade under way in Pyongyang. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size

Satellite Images Show 12,000 Troops Assembling at Mirim Satellite imagery compiled by Vantor Inc. from Feb 9‑17, 2026 reveals roughly 12,000 personnel gathered at the Mirim air field in Pyongyang, a figure cited by opposition lawmaker Rep. Yu Yong‑weon; the Korea Defense Security Forum analyzed the data and released the findings on Feb 20, 2026, confirming the scale of the upcoming ninth party congress parade preparation. [1]

Heavy Weapons Still Absent, Deployment Expected in Stages The same images did not display the armored vehicles or missile launchers typically featured in North Korean parades, leading defense analysts to predict a phased arrival of such equipment as the event nears; this approach differs from the 2021 eighth‑congress parade, which showcased 172 weapons systems alongside 15,000 troops. [1]

Mass Games and Russian Ties Highlighted in Parade Planning Additional footage captured preparations for large‑scale mass games to be performed at Kim Il Sung Square, indicating a coordinated civilian component; Rep. Yu emphasized that the parade will serve as a platform to flaunt deepening ties with Russia, with senior officials expected to attend, blending military display with diplomatic signaling. [1]

Sources

1.
Yonhap: North Korea readies 12,000‑person military parade for ninth party congress: Details satellite‑derived troop count, lack of visible heavy weapons, staged equipment deployment, mass‑games organization, and the parade’s role in showcasing Russia ties, while comparing the scale to the 2021 event.
2026-02-20 05:55:34+00:00

Related Tickers

Timeline

2021 – The eighth Workers’ Party Congress parade showcases roughly 15,000 troops and 172 weapons systems, establishing a benchmark for the scale of future North Korean military displays. [1]

Jan 24, 2026 – City and county party organizations hold meetings across North Korea, a customary precursor that historically precedes the national congress by two to three weeks. [3][4]

Early Feb 2026 (expected) – South Korean officials anticipate the Ninth Party Congress will occur in early‑to‑mid‑February, though Pyongyang has not announced a date; the congress will set five‑year policy plans. [2][3][4]

Feb 3, 2026 – Hundreds of soldiers form hammer, sickle and calligraphy‑brush patterns at Mirim Airfield, rehearsing a possible parade; 38 North says the drills are “likely for a parade to mark the upcoming Ninth Party Congress,” while Joint Chiefs of Staff Col. Lee Sung‑jun notes “signs of preparation were detected … it remains unclear whether a parade will occur.” [2][3][4]

Feb 9‑17, 2026 – About 12,000 personnel gather at Mirim Airfield for parade preparation; heavy weapons and missile launchers are not yet visible, indicating staged deployment, and mass‑games preparations proceed at Kim Il Sung Square, with opposition lawmaker Yu Yong‑weon saying the event will serve as “a stage to flaunt the North’s deepening ties with Russia, attended by senior officials.” [1]

Mid‑Feb 2026 (anticipated) – The Ninth Party Congress is expected to convene, potentially featuring a military parade that could be delayed if the final phase of Hwasong district housing construction or additional economic project showcases remain incomplete. [2]

Top Headlines

Feeds