The North Korean regime appears to be trying to revitalize the public image and perception of its air force and national airline, based on recent events and their portrayal in state media. Analysis of these events suggests Pyongyang is likely hoping to raise domestic confidence in and foreign respect for the Korean People’s Army Air Force and its national civil carrier, Air Koryo.

Kim Jong Un presided over three highly publicized, air force-related events in the past month. The most recent of these was a combat flight contest, reported in KCNA and Rodong Sinmun, May 10. All