PYONGYANG—North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has intensified efforts to enhance the country’s war preparedness by overseeing the testing of various drones, specifically focusing on advancing suicide drone technology.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during a performance test organized by the Drone Institute of the Academy of Defence Sciences on Saturday, Kim Jong-un observed drones executing flights along preset courses and successfully engaging designated targets. These tests underscored the strategic role of drones in attacking ground and sea targets as part of North Korea’s military strategy. The test demonstrated successful engagements, with drones destroying mock-ups of what appeared to be K-2 tanks, a first such disclosure in official photos. Kim emphasized the importance of developing a diverse range of drones to enhance combat capabilities, stressing the need for both tactical and strategic applications, including tactical infantry and special operations, as well as strategic reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones.
In his address, Kim also highlighted the ongoing development of strategic underwater weapon systems and the potential integration of artificial intelligence in drone technology. This initiative follows Kim’s directive from a December party meeting to develop advanced unmanned combat equipment, including spy and attack drones and electronic warfare tools. In recent years, North Korea has showcased new types of reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones, marking a significant step in its military capabilities, evident from the incident in December 2022 when five North Korean drones crossed into South Korean airspace, breaching a no-fly zone near the presidential office in Seoul.