North Korea unveils AI-powered suicide drones during Kim Jong-un’s inspection

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected a series of AI-powered suicide drones and strategic reconnaissance UAVs during a recent visit to the country’s key defense research centers. The inspections took place on March 25 and 26 and were reported on March 26 by the state-run Rodong Sinmun.

According to the report, Kim Jong-un visited the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Development Consortium and the Detection Electronics Research Group to assess the progress of national defense projects. The state media emphasized that enhancing capabilities in AI-powered suicide drones is critical to modern warfare.

Field Tests Show Tactical Capabilities

During the inspection, Kim Jong-un reviewed newly developed UAVs under production. He also witnessed performance tests of both strategic reconnaissance drones and suicide drones enhanced with artificial intelligence.

The report claimed that the strategic UAVs successfully demonstrated the ability to track enemy activity on land and sea. The AI-powered suicide drones, designed for tactical strike missions, showed strong strike capabilities.

Emphasis on Production and AI

The suicide drones featured newly integrated AI systems. Kim Jong-un praised their military effectiveness and strategic value. He called for an expansion of production to meet future defense demands.

“In the modernization of our armed forces, the development of unmanned systems and AI technologies must be given top priority,” Kim said. He stressed the need for a national roadmap and long-term implementation, in line with the global trend of using intelligent drones as core military assets.

Electronic Warfare Systems Inspected

Kim Jong-un also examined new reconnaissance and information-gathering tools developed by the Detection Electronics Research Group. This included electronic jamming and attack systems.

North Korea has begun developing and producing these electronic warfare systems, the report claimed. Kim emphasized their importance in monitoring threats and gathering intelligence. He said the tools would strengthen North Korea’s operational capabilities and neutralize enemy assets.

Senior Officials Attend Site Visit

Accompanying Kim Jong-un were senior party and military officials, including Pak Jong-chon, Jo Chun-ryong, Ri Pyong-chol, and Kim Yong-hwan of the Academy of National Defense Science.

Photographs released by state media showed drones detonating at target sites. Some images were blurred, possibly to conceal technical details.

The report noted that Kim issued tasks and objectives for the two research institutions, though no specifics were disclosed.

By Mooyoung Lee   [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]