North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the performance tests of reconnaissance and kamikaze drones and stated that the project would be pursued as a mid- to long-term national initiative.
On Thursday, Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, reported that Kim had overseen the defense science research activities conducted by the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology Coalition and the Detection Electronic Warfare Research Group on Tuesday and Wednesday.
According to the report, Kim “inspected various reconnaissance and kamikaze drones and observed their performance tests.” The newspaper stated that “the tests confirmed the innovative capabilities of a new strategic reconnaissance drone equipped with detection systems capable of tracking enemy activity on land and at sea,” and that “the strike capabilities of the kamikaze drones—designed for various tactical missions—were fully demonstrated.”
Kim reportedly emphasized, “In the modernization of our armed forces, the fields of unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence must be prioritized and developed.” He also noted that “as the competition to utilize intelligent drones as core military assets accelerates and their applications in military operations continue to expand, it is important to develop a clear national roadmap and pursue this work resolutely and patiently as a mid- to long-term endeavor.”
He was satisfied with developing and producing new electronic jamming and attack weapon systems.
Rodong Sinmun released several photos showing kamikaze drones flying toward mock targets and exploding on impact. Some images were mosaic-blurred to conceal specific features of the weapons.
Senior officials, including Party Secretaries Pak Jong Chon and Jo Chun Ryong, Ri Pyong Chol, Chief Advisor on Military Industry Policy, and Kim Yong Hwan of the National Defense Academy, accompanied this inspection.