Afghanistan, Nov. 30 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says the country's air force will take a larger role in strengthening Pyongyang's nuclear deterrent during ongoing military upgrades.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared that the country's air force will play a central role in reinforcing Pyongyang's nuclear deterrent, state media KCNA reported on Saturday as the military marked the 80th anniversary of its founding.

KCNA reported that Kim, attending the ceremony with his young daughter, urged the air force to "firmly suppress and control" all enemy surveillance operations and potential military provocations.

During the event, Kim and his daughter inspected an airborne early-warning aircraft as well as newly displayed unmann...