North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised a drone test and ordered accelerated artificial intelligence development for military applications, state media reported on Friday.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shared clear images of the drone lifting off and successfully striking its target in the military exercise. Moreover, Kim declared drones a major military asset and ordered their development as a top priority for armed forces modernization, expressing great satisfaction with the demonstration’s results, calling it proof of combat effectiveness.
AI Enhances Military Capabilities
Furthermore, Kim also instructed rapid artificial intelligence development and expanded drone production capabilities to strengthen military operations. Analysts confirm these drones deliver low-cost, high-efficiency threats featuring autonomous mission execution and enhanced tactical accuracy. North Korea recently conducted GPS jamming attacks against South Korean assets, disrupting several ships and civilian aircraft operations.
“AI allows drones to operate even if GPS signals fail, relying on pre-trained algorithms,” explained Kyungnam University’s Lim Eul-chul. “This drive gained momentum since 2024 using Russian technology and Ukraine war lessons.”
Russia-North Korea Military Ties Deepen
South Korean and Western intelligence agencies confirmed North Korea sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia in 2024, primarily to the Kursk region, with Seoul reporting roughly 600 North Korean troops died and thousands more were wounded fighting for Russia. Pyongyang also supplied artillery shells, missiles, and rocket systems to Moscow.
“Troops gain modern battlefield experience, including drone tactics, while supporting Russia,” added Seoul’s Korea Institute for National Unification analyst Hong Min. “This alliance directly threatens regional security stability.”
