North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen performance tests of strategic reconnaissance drones and new kamikaze drones incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) while stressing the need to expand production capacity to adapt to modern warfare. The regime also unveiled, for the first time, what appears to be an airborne early warning and control aircraft.
The Rodong Sinmun reported on Thursday that Kim guided defense science research activities conducted by the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Technology Coalition and the Detection Electronics Research Group on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Kim inspected various reconnaissance and kamikaze drones currently under development and production at research institutes and enterprises affiliated with the UAV Technology Coalition and observed their performance tests.
According to the report, the tests confirmed the “innovative capabilities” of a new strategic reconnaissance drone capable of tracking enemy activity on land and at sea. They demonstrated the “strike capabilities” of kamikaze drones, which can carry out various tactical missions.
The report added that the strategic reconnaissance drone’s performance is further enhanced, while the kamikaze drones now integrate new AI technologies. Kim reportedly assessed their military effectiveness and strategic value and approved plans to expand production capacity.
Kim emphasized that “in building modern military power, the fields of unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence must be prioritized and further developed,” adding that “as competition intensifies to utilize intelligent drones as core military assets and their application continues to expand in modern warfare, the state must draft a clear long-term development roadmap and strongly push forward with patience.”
Kim also examined the capabilities and future development plans for new reconnaissance and information-gathering equipment and electronic jamming and attack systems developed by the Detection Electronic Warfare Research Group. North Korea claimed that production of new electronic jamming weapons has already begun.
The Detection Electronics Research Group mentioned in the report is a new name that has not previously been seen in North Korean media. It is believed to be linked to the regime’s recent focus on jamming GPS signals in areas near the West Sea and the Military Demarcation Line.
A photo released Thursday shows Kim boarding and inspecting the interior of an aircraft equipped with a radar dome on top—believed to be North Korea’s version of an airborne early warning and control system. This is the first time such reconnaissance equipment resembling South Korea’s Peace Eye has been revealed.
Kim stated, “Modern technologies incorporated into specialized platforms will play a major role in monitoring potential threats and collecting critical intelligence,” emphasizing that “such equipment will enhance the military’s reconnaissance capabilities and have sufficient power to neutralize various enemy combat assets.”
The Rodong Sinmun added that Kim also assigned tasks related to the current and long-term objectives of the UAV Technology Coalition and the Detection Electronic Warfare Research Group. However, specific details of the assignments were not disclosed.
Senior officials, including Party Secretaries Pak Jong Chon and Jo Chun Ryong, Ri Pyong Chol, senior advisor for military policy, and Kim Yong Hwan of the National Defense Academy, were present at the site. Notably, this is the first time North Korean media has referred to Ri Pyong Chol, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, as the senior advisor for military policy, suggesting that he has stepped back from frontline leadership.
Other photos from the event showed kamikaze drones exploding at designated targets. Some images were intentionally blurred to obscure the exact features of the weapons.
In November 2024, Kim inspected performance tests of kamikaze drones produced by the UAV Technology Coalition and ordered their mass production. In August 2024, he also observed drone performance tests at the UAV Research Institute under the National Defense Academy.
