North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of suicide drones and ordered their mass production, citing the urgent need to update military strategies in response to global advancements in drone technology, state media reported Friday. Suicide drones, also called loitering munitions, have proven effective in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the Middle East. Kim emphasized the necessity of building a serial production system quickly to scale up manufacturing of these aerial weapons.
According to the state-run KCNA, Kim highlighted the accelerating competition in military drone technology worldwide, which he said requires immediate revisions in military theory, practice, and education. This follows an earlier drone test he supervised amid growing military ties between North Korea and Russia, raising speculation about possible technical assistance from Moscow.
North Korea has previously deployed drones across the border into South Korea, including flights over key areas like Seoul and the no-fly zone around the South Korean presidential office. These incursions prompted South Korea to strengthen its drone defense systems.
The deepening cooperation between North Korea and Russia has drawn global attention. In June, both nations ratified a strategic partnership, including a mutual defense pact. Reports indicate North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia’s western frontlines in its war against Ukraine, with South Korean and U.S. officials claiming that North Korean soldiers are actively fighting alongside Russian forces. Kim’s focus on drone development underscores Pyongyang’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities amid these alliances.
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