North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has personally overseen tests of tactical strike drones, underlining the urgent need to enhance their performance with artificial intelligence and to strengthen their operational capabilities. The event was reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), as reported by G.Business.
During the inspection, Kim reviewed a range of unmanned aerial vehicles that are being developed and produced by the Institute and Enterprise of the Unmanned Aerial Navigation Technology Complex. He was briefed on the characteristics and potential combat applications of both strategic and tactical reconnaissance drones, as well as multipurpose UAVs.
According to KCNA, the demonstration confirmed the “excellent efficiency” of the Kumsong tactical strike drones for battlefield use, as well as the “military-strategic value and effectiveness” of the country’s strategic reconnaissance UAVs. South Korean media outlet Yonhap pointed out that this marks the first time North Korean state media have publicly acknowledged the existence of the Kumsong line of drones.
Kim Jong Un emphasized that the development of artificial intelligence and the expansion of operational capabilities of unmanned weapon systems must remain a top priority in the modernization of the armed forces. He stressed that drones have now become “key military assets in modern warfare.” He also urged the acceleration of “urgent efforts for the rapid development of newly introduced AI technology and the expansion and strengthening of serial production capacity.”
Photographs published in North Korean media showed two drone types, most likely kamikaze-style drones, striking simulated targets. In August and November of the previous year, as well as in March of this year, North Korea carried out similar tests, including trials of kamikaze drones equipped with AI technology.
North Korea has significantly intensified its focus on drone development, particularly since deploying military personnel to Russia in support of Moscow’s war against Ukraine, where drones have played a decisive role in combat operations.
Experts have noted that the latest UAV demonstrations are likely tied to the regime’s broader defense development policy, which may be presented during a major party congress scheduled for late this year or early next year.
Hong Min, a senior research fellow at South Korea’s Institute for National Unification, said the move is clearly intended to demonstrate Pyongyang’s strength in the face of joint military drills between Seoul and Washington. “North Korea may be attempting to showcase its ability to monitor enemy activity and to strike at critical radar or air-defense bases,” he stated.
At the same time, South Korea and the United States concluded their five-day Iron Mace exercises, which focused on integrating Washington’s nuclear capabilities with Seoul’s deterrence strategies against threats from the North.
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