North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Oversees AI Drone Tests, Prioritizes Unmanned Warfare

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the testing of new artificial intelligence-equipped suicide and reconnaissance drones this week, signaling a renewed focus on unmanned aerial vehicles and AI in the country’s military modernization plans, state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday, as per Al Jazeera.

The tests, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, featured “various kinds of reconnaissance and suicide drones” produced by North Korea’s Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex. KCNA stated that the new drones are capable of “tracking and monitoring different strategic targets and enemy troop activities on the ground and the sea,” while the attack drones are designed for “various tactical attack missions,” equipped with “new artificial intelligence.”

Pictures released by KCNA showed attack drones successfully striking ground targets, including military vehicles. Notably, Kim was pictured inspecting a newly developed unmanned aerial reconnaissance aircraft, appearing significantly larger than a fighter jet, and was seen boarding an airborne early warning and control (AEW) aircraft – the first time North Korea has publicly unveiled such a platform. The AEW aircraft, equipped with a radar dome on the fuselage, bears resemblance to the Boeing-manufactured Peace Eye operated by the South Korean air force.

Analysts have previously reported on North Korea’s efforts to develop an AEW aircraft, citing the conversion of a Russian-made Il-76 cargo aircraft into an early-warning platform, discovered through commercial satellite imagery. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London noted last year that an AEW aircraft would augment North Korea’s existing land-based radar systems, though a single platform would offer limited coverage.

During his visit to the test site, Kim emphasized the importance of expanding the production capacity of “unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence” and creating a long-term plan for promoting the “rapid development” of “intelligent drones,” viewing them as a key component of “modern warfare.” He was also briefed on newly developed intelligence-gathering capabilities, as well as electronic jamming and attack systems created by the country’s electronic warfare group, according to KCNA.

This renewed push for AI-equipped drone technology comes amid growing concerns about the potential transfer of sensitive Russian military technology to North Korea. South Korea and analysts have repeatedly warned that such transfers could occur in exchange for North Korean troops and weapons supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Seoul’s military stated on Thursday that North Korea has supplied Russia with an additional 3,000 troops this year, along with missiles and other ammunition, further fueling these concerns.