SEOUL, April 18 (NHK) - South Korean military sources say North Korea is making full-fledged preparations for a military parade ahead of the founding anniversary of its forces next week.

The sources told reporters on Monday that a large quantity of equipment has been assembled at Mirim airport outside Pyongyang where rehearsals of the military parade have been held.

The sources estimate that more than 20,000 personnel could take part in the parade, adding that nighttime aircraft drills are underway.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reports that tanks, armored vehicles and mobile launch pads have been mobilized to the airport.

Speculations are rife that North Korea may hold the parade in central Pyongyang to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the military on April 25.

The last time North Korea held a parade involving its regular army was in January 2021, when it featured what appeared to be a new submarine-launched ballistic missile named Pukguksong-5.

Attention is on what new weapons will be unveiled this time under the country's five-year defense plan.