PHOTO FILE: The lightning from North Korea

"As soon as Supreme Commander Kim Jong-Un gives the order, they will resolutely go into action to drive a sword through the heart of the enemy, just like lightning over Mount Paektu [North Korea's highest peak]," so poetically introduced the new special unit "Blitz" by North Korean state television, according to Yonhap News Agency. Now, the ones in the image above are the Blitzers.

Not only is it noticeable - despite camouflage paint - that they are quite well-fed (citizens of North Korea usually appear rather thin), but above all, they are imitating Western special forces: there's the night vision device on the helmet, resembling a PASGT. There's the body armor that seems to use MOLLE. There's the AK with a striking helical magazine, similar to the Russian Bizon SMG. And it only uses a normal sight, so the gentlemen with the night vision device might struggle a bit. By the way, this magazine variant was first used by Kim Jong-Un's bodyguards - HERE is an interesting article from ARES Armamment Research Services on this. Parades in North Korea are still what one imagines parades in totalitarian states to be like. The military appears extremely organized and neat. However, the grenade launchers only look impressive to non-experts. The symmetry of the troops, however, is more impressive. One can tell they have a lot of time to drill. The total integration of humans into the system is perfectly reflected here. And of course, parades are good for showing off what you have. For example, light RPK machine guns, which do not have standard magazines, but larger ones that likely hold 60 rounds or more. And nothing is as beautiful as competition with a brother state. The latest rifle achievement of North Korea is being carried through the landscape here. It looks so impressive that one immediately recognizes it as the communist clone of the South Korean rifle Daewoo K-11 - HERE is the link -. A closer look at the detail: The weapon appears to be a Type 88 Kalashnikov with an attached housing containing a launcher/repeater in shotgun caliber (see the bolt handle), but everything below is like a standard AK. It's also difficult to judge what the optic part on the housing can or cannot do. One thing is clear, North Korea wants to say: we are at least as advanced as the hated South. If not more...

North Korea on the Internet: www.korea-dpr.com