North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the test of new suicide drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), declaring that unmanned systems and AI technologies must be prioritized in modern military development, state media KCNA reported Thursday.
During a visit to a weapons testing site, Kim reviewed upgraded reconnaissance drones capable of tracking enemy movements both on land and at sea. Emphasizing the strategic role of AI and unmanned equipment, Kim stated that these technologies are vital to strengthening North Korea's armed forces.
KCNA also revealed North Korea’s first-ever airborne early-warning (AEW) aircraft, enhancing its air defense capabilities. State media published images of Kim boarding a large four-engine plane with a radar dome, believed to be a converted Russian-made Il-76 cargo aircraft. Experts say such aircraft can detect low-flying threats by overcoming the limitations of mountainous terrain, but noted that one AEW plane alone is insufficient.
Analysts from the International Institute for Strategic Studies suggested Pyongyang may cannibalize other cargo planes to build more AEW platforms. The move comes amid growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. South Korea’s national security adviser previously claimed Pyongyang provided troops for the Ukraine war in exchange for Russian air defense equipment.
Kim also inspected newly developed systems for intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, and direct attacks. KCNA released images of fixed-wing drones targeting a tank-shaped object and detonating on impact. Another photo showed a large drone, possibly bigger than a fighter jet, in the background as Kim walked with aides.
North Korean troops reportedly engaged in drone warfare in Ukraine, gaining critical battlefield experience. The latest developments reflect Pyongyang’s aggressive push to modernize its military with AI-driven and unmanned technologies, raising fresh concerns among regional powers.