Watch: Kim Jong Un’s 13-Year-Old Daughter Ju Ae Drives Army Tank

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was seen alongside his teenage daughter in state media images that showed her driving a battle tank during military drills, in what analysts view as a possible sign of succession planning.

Photos and videos released by the Korean Central News Agency on Friday showed the girl, widely believed to be Kim’s daughter Ju Ae, looking out from the driver’s hatch with focused intent as her hair blew in the wind.

Kim, smiling, leaned against the turret while three uniformed military officers sat on the hull.

Ju Ae, believed to be around 13 years old, has been making increasingly frequent public appearances with her father in recent months.

There has been no official confirmation by Pyongyang regarding her name or age.

How did Ju Ae showcase weapons training in recent appearances?

Earlier this month, she was seen at a firing range aiming a rifle. On another occasion, she was photographed firing a handgun.

State media also released an image showing her shooting what appeared to be a pistol, with one eye closed and flames visible from the muzzle.

The latest visuals came from large-scale military drills at the Pyongyang Training Base No. 60, where Kim supervised exercises involving a new type of tank.

According to KCNA, the tank demonstrated superior offensive and defensive capabilities against drones and anti tank missiles, with advanced mobility, firepower and protective systems.

The drills involved armoured units firing anti tank missiles while rear sub units targeted simulated enemy drones and helicopters, clearing the way for infantry and tanks.

What did Kim Jong Un say about the tank drills involving Ju Ae?

"Watching with great pleasure the tanks violently make a charge, shaking the earth, he (Kim) expressed satisfaction that the majestic scene of tanks imposingly advancing forward represents the inherent bravery and pluck of our army," the agency reported.

Kim has in recent years pursued the modernization of North Korea’s conventional weapons, including tactical missiles, alongside the development of a strategic arsenal that includes long range ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.

The display comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent North Korean missile tests and the conclusion of joint springtime military exercises by South Korea and the United States.

The Kim family has ruled North Korea for decades, with a cult of personality centred on their Paektu bloodline shaping daily life in the country.

In February, South Korea’s national intelligence service stated that Ju Ae has been clearly "designated as a successor" to her father.

Her growing public profile has included attending a test of nuclear capable rocket launchers and appearing at multiple military events. She was first introduced publicly in 2022 when she accompanied Kim to an intercontinental ballistic missile launch.

Prior to that, her existence had only been confirmed by former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who visited North Korea in 2013.

Ju Ae has also drawn attention for her fashion choices, appearing in Gucci sunglasses and wearing a Cartier watch. At other times, she has mirrored her father’s style with matching leather jackets and dark glasses.