North Korea marks the 90th anniversary on Monday of the foundation of its military. Speculation is growing that the country will stage a major military parade in the capital Pyongyang for the occasion.

The late Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un, founded the Korean People's Revolutionary Army on April 25, 1932. It was the predecessor of the current Korean People's Army.

Ahead of the anniversary on Sunday, the state-run Korean Central News Agency stressed that only victory lies ahead for the country's military, which ushers in a new era under the unbeaten leadership.

Last week, a US research group released satellite images taken near Pyongyang. The images show thousands of troops and many vehicles moving in formation at an airport outside the capital. Military jets and helicopters could also be seen lined up at an international airport in the capital. The US group said its analysis points to the possibility that the North is preparing to stage a parade on the anniversary of the military's founding to showcase its latest weapons.

The last time North Korea held a parade involving its regular army was in January 2021.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that the parade may feature weapons such as an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads, and a new short-range ballistic missile that can carry small nuclear warheads.

North Korea has repeatedly denounced the US-South Korea joint military drills that continue until next Thursday. International society is keeping a close eye on the North.