North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made a bold decision to develop and mass-produce suicide drones to enhance the tactical capabilities of infantry and special operations units. Amid rising tensions and changing military strategies, Kim has set a clear goal of integrating UAV technology into military operations, emphasizing the importance of improving this technology to ensure superiority on the battlefield.
Kim Jong-un Proposes Development of New Suicide UAVs to Enhance Combat Capabilities
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has announced plans to step up the development and production of suicide drones to enhance the tactical capabilities of infantry and special operations units. On August 24, Kim personally inspected a UAV test organized by the Unmanned Aircraft Institute of the Academy of National Defense Science of the DPRK, according to information from the Korean Central News Agency on August 26.
Kim Jong-un (born 1984) is a North Korean politician, Supreme Leader of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, and Marshal of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Suicide UAV Test in North Korea
During the test, which was conducted at an undisclosed location, the UAVs flew along predetermined routes and accurately attacked simulated targets on the ground and at sea. Kim Jong-un stressed the importance of developing various types of UAVs and improving combat capabilities to prepare for actual combat situations. He called for developing more suicide UAVs for infantry tactics and special operations units, as well as strategic reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack UAVs.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence into UAVs
In addition to promoting the development of underwater strategic weapons systems and suicide drones, Kim also proposed integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into the development of unmanned vehicles. Photos released by KCNA show two white suicide drones carrying out attacks and destroying simulated targets, including K-2 tanks.
Mr. Kim Jong-un inspected a UAV test on August 24. Photo: Reuters
Progress in the Development of Unmanned Armaments
On August 24 and 25, the North Korean leader also inspected ongoing industrial plant construction projects. In December 2023, Kim ordered the development of powerful unmanned combat vehicles, including reconnaissance and attack UAVs and electronic warfare vehicles. Previously, in July 2023, North Korea introduced two new types of multi-purpose reconnaissance and attack UAVs at a weapons exhibition and military parade.
Notably, in December 2022, North Korea sent five UAVs across the border with South Korea, including one that entered the no-fly zone near the presidential office in Seoul. These moves clearly demonstrate North Korea’s determination to increase its military power through the development of advanced UAV technology and the integration of new technologies to improve combat effectiveness.
