North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has recently overseen the testing of newly developed suicide drones in an attempt to strengthen his military forces amid rising tensions with the US and South Korea. According to the state-run KCNA news agency, these domestically-produced loitering munitions have been designed to be deployed at various striking ranges and can accurately identify and destroy both ground and sea targets.
Kim Jong-un urged researchers in his nation to develop and produce more suicide drones of various types that could be deployed with tactical infantry and special operation units, as well as strategic reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones. The North Korean leader also emphasized the importance of integrating artificial intelligence into unmanned aerial vehicles for enhanced efficiency and performance.
The images shared by KCNA showcase the drones taking off, engaging in various tests, and successfully destroying their designated targets, including a mock tank. These tests were conducted under Kim Jong-un’s watchful eye along with senior state officials.
In recent months, North Korea has been actively increasing its military capabilities, particularly as it expresses strong concern over the US conducting military drills near the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang suggests that these exercises could be rehearsals for a possible invasion and has taken steps to bolster its own defenses, including the addition of 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers earlier this month. Kim Jong-un explained at the time that this buildup was in response to what he perceives as “increasingly savage” cooperation between Washington and its regional allies.
In a speech delivered to students at the Military and Political Academy in Pyongyang back in April, Kim stressed the importance of readiness for war due to the unstable military and political situation in the region. His latest directive regarding suicide drones is likely an extension of this commitment to prepare his nation for any potential conflict.
The recent surge in North Korea’s drone capabilities coincides with ongoing joint military exercises between the US and South Korean militaries, which will continue through Thursday. These 11-day long exercises include computer-simulated war games and over 40 kinds of field exercises, including live-fire drills that may contribute to the perceived threat from Washington and Seoul in the eyes of North Korean officials.