North Korea's Kim Jong oversees 'suicide drones' test, seeks introduction of AI tech
Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for the development and production of more "suicide drones" to enhance war preparedness, amid tensions brewing in the Korean Peninsula. South Korean news outlet Yonhap reported Monday that Kim had on August 24 overseen a performance test of various drones. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim supervised the test organized by the Drone Institute of the Academy of Defence Sciences.
Drones Showcase Destructive Power
During the testing, the drones flown along preset courses destroyed designated targets. The drones have the capability to attack enemy targets on the ground, in the air, and at sea. Kim was quoted by KCNA as saying that it is necessary to develop and produce more suicide drones "to be used in tactical infantry and special operation units, as well as strategic reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones."
Push for AI Integration
Kim also raised the need for proactively introducing artificial intelligence technology into drone development. Yonhap published photos carried by KCNA showing two white suicide attack drones hitting and destroying mock targets resembling K-2 tanks, marking the first time North Korea has unveiled such weapons.
Recent Military Hardware Unveiling
Earlier this month, Kim Jong-un unveiled 250 new tactical nuclear-capable ballistic missile launchers, described as "pivot military hardware" for the country's forces. In his speech to military troops, Kim stated that the US-led alliance has transformed into a nuclear military bloc and that Pyongyang will enhance its nuclear readiness to deter nuclear threats and protect itself against any challenges.
Increased Weapons Testing
According to Yonhap, North Korea has recently intensified weapons tests as Seoul and Washington strengthen efforts to bolster America's extended deterrence commitment. North Korea has fired more than 100 ballistic missiles since last year, including Hwasong-18 ICBMs. The solid-fuel ICBM type is among the high-tech weapons North Korea has vowed to develop, alongside a military spy satellite and a nuclear-powered submarine.
International Criticism and Diplomatic Reactions
At a key party meeting in December 2023, Kim called for an "exponential" increase in North Korea's nuclear arsenal and the development of tactical nuclear weapons targeting South Korea. A recent New York Times report indicated that US President Joe Biden approved a classified document in March this year ordering US forces to prepare for possible coordinated nuclear confrontations with Russia, China, and North Korea. In July, the foreign ministers of the Quad—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—criticised North Korea for using ballistic missile technology and continuing its pursuit of nuclear weapons in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, urging the country to comply with all UNSCRs.
(With ANI inputs)
