Kim Jong-un boards airborne early warning aircraft presumed developed by North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un boarded what appears to be an airborne early warning and control aircraft, marking the first time the country has publicly revealed such technology. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced this on March 27 and released photos of Kim during the inspection.

Military Test Supervision

According to KCNA, Kim supervised tests of AI-powered “suicide attack drones” and a new strategic reconnaissance drone on March 25 and 26. Research teams from the Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Complex and an electronic warfare unit supported the drills.

Photos showed Kim boarding the aircraft and giving instructions to military officials inside. The aircraft resembles the Peace Eye, a surveillance jet made by Boeing and used by the South Korean Air Force. These systems use radar to detect aircraft and ships, offering real-time battlefield intelligence.

Drone Capabilities Demonstrated

KCNA reported that the suicide drones successfully hit ground targets, including a tank. Kim assessed the strategic value of these unmanned weapons, especially the surveillance drones with enhanced tracking features.

“These new models,” Kim said, “can monitor various strategic targets and enemy troop movements on land and sea.” KCNA noted the suicide drones demonstrated strong striking power for tactical missions.

Strategic Priorities and Technological Emphasis

Kim urged the military to prioritize unmanned and AI-based weapons development. He emphasized the need to align long-term defense plans with modern warfare trends.

Kim also praised newly developed electronic jamming and attack systems. He described them as proof of qualitative progress in modernizing the armed forces. Kim offered strategic guidance to improve the production and sophistication of unmanned systems, though KCNA did not disclose specific plans.

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