North Korea showcases AI‑enhanced drones under Kim Jong Un's watch
Kim Jong Un personally supervised the kamikaze drone tests featuring AI technology, as confirmed by the KCNA agency. The photos also reveal an early warning aircraft.
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, personally oversaw the tests of kamikaze drones equipped with artificial intelligence. This information was provided by the government agency KCNA. The published photos also show an early warning and air control aircraft.
During the two-day inspection, which ended on Wednesday, Kim Jong Un observed tests of drones capable of tracking and monitoring strategic targets and enemy military activities both on land and at sea. These drones, equipped with AI technology, demonstrated the ability to execute tactical attacks.
Kim Jong Un emphasized that the development of unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence should be a priority in the modernization of the armed forces. He pointed out the growing importance of intelligent drones in modern armed conflicts, referring to their use in Ukraine.
New jamming systems
During the inspection, Kim was also presented with newly developed electronic jamming and attack systems designed to neutralize the enemy's combat resources. Photos released by KCNA show Kim entering a large aircraft with four engines and a radar dome.
Analysts, based on satellite images, suggest that North Korea is converting the Russian Il-76 transport aircraft into an early warning unit. Yonhap agency notes that KCNA did not mention this aircraft in its reports, possibly because it was not developed using domestic technology.
Col. Li Sung Jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that the new early warning aircraft requires evaluation regarding its operational capability and usefulness. He admitted that Russia might have been involved in its internal systems, which may be related to technological assistance in exchange for support in the war in Ukraine.
