North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has personally supervised the testing of new drones equipped with artificial intelligence, signalling a significant advancement in the country’s military capabilities.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim called for the prioritisation of unmanned aerial vehicles and AI in military modernisation plans.
The tests, which were conducted earlier this week, included a variety of reconnaissance and suicide drones designed for tactical operations. KCNA reported that the drones are capable of tracking strategic targets and monitoring enemy troop movements on land and at sea.
Kim stated that the production capacity for unmanned systems and artificial intelligence must be expanded to ensure rapid development in this crucial area of modern warfare.
Photographs released by KCNA showed Kim inspecting a newly developed unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, which appeared to be larger than a typical fighter jet. He was also seen boarding an airborne early-warning aircraft, the first of its kind to be officially unveiled by North Korea.
This aircraft is equipped with a radar dome similar to those used by the South Korean air force, indicating a significant enhancement in North Korea’s air defence capabilities.
Analysts had previously reported that North Korea was converting a Russian-made Il-76 cargo aircraft into an early-warning role, which could bolster its existing land-based radar systems. The new capabilities could help North Korea mitigate challenges posed by the mountainous terrain of the Korean peninsula.
During the testing, which took place over two days, the drones successfully targeted ground assets, including military vehicles. Images depicted fixed-wing UAVs striking tank-shaped targets, underscoring the operational capabilities of these new systems.
In addition to the drone technology, Kim was briefed on the latest developments in electronic warfare, including intelligence-gathering and electronic jamming systems. North Korea’s military efforts have garnered attention amid rising tensions in the region, especially with ongoing geopolitical dynamics involving Russia.
Kim’s emphasis on the development of advanced military technologies comes at a time when North Korea’s strategic posture is being closely monitored by international observers. The country has been accused of seeking to expand its military capabilities amid heightened security concerns.
In a broader context, North Korean troops deployed to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine are believed to be gaining valuable experience in drone warfare, further complicating the regional security landscape.
