North Korean state media reported Thursday that Kim Jong-un supervised tests of new AI-powered suicide drones and called for increased production.

KCNA released photos showing Kim inspecting upgraded reconnaissance drones capable of detecting tactical targets and enemy activity on land and sea.

Kim stated that unmanned control should be a top priority in modern arms development.

These tests, following Kim’s recent emphasis on drone development, demonstrate the country’s growing military capabilities.

KCNA quoted Kim as saying that “the field of unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence should be top-prioritized” in modernizing the armed forces.

Kim was pictured with aides near an unmanned surveillance aircraft resembling the U.S. RQ-4 Global Hawk.

Other images showed a fixed-wing drone hitting a tank-shaped target and exploding. Kim previously inspected similar drone demonstrations in November and August of the previous year.

The test showcased the reconnaissance drone’s ability to track multiple targets and monitor troop movements on land and sea, potentially improving North Korea’s intelligence gathering and ability to neutralize enemy threats. The new exploding drones are designed for various attack missions and feature unspecified AI capabilities.

Kim was also seen walking towards a large four-engine aircraft with a radar dome. Analysts previously reported that North Korea was converting a Russian-made Il-76 cargo aircraft for an early-warning role to supplement its land-based radar systems, which are sometimes limited by the terrain, according to a September report by London’s International Institute for Strategic Studies.

The drone display follows North Korea’s recent unveiling of a , a weapons system that could pose a significant security threat to South Korea and the U.S.

It also comes as North Korea has reportedly been sending more missiles, artillery, and ammunition to Russia, raising concerns about potential Russian technology transfers in return.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea has indicated it might increase weapons supplies further, depending on the war’s progress. Russia recently agreed on a limited ceasefire, although both sides have accused each other of violations.

North Korea has allegedly sent approximately 11,000 military personnel to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine, marking its first large-scale conflict involvement since the Korean War. The South Korean military estimates around 4,000 of these personnel have been killed or wounded.

Reuters and

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