Kim Jong Un oversees AI drone tests amid military upgrades
Kim Jong Un personally oversaw kamikaze drone tests featuring AI technology, as confirmed by the KCNA agency. Photos also reveal an early warning aircraft.
According to the Polish Press Agency, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, personally supervised tests of kamikaze drones equipped with artificial intelligence. This information was reported by the state agency KCNA. The published photos also show an early warning and air control aircraft.
During the two-day inspection, which concluded on Tuesday, 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 perform tactical attacks.
Kim Jong Un emphasised that the development of unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence should be a priority in the modernisation of military forces. He highlighted the growing importance of smart 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 neutralise the opponent's combat resources. Photos published 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 transforming a Russian Il-76 transport aircraft into an early warning unit. The Yonhap agency notes that KCNA did not mention this aircraft in its reports, which may be because it was not developed using domestic technology.
Col. Li Sung Dzun, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff Command, stated that the new early warning aircraft needs assessment in terms of operational capability and usefulness. He admitted that Russia might have had a role in its internal systems, which may be linked to technological aid in exchange for support in the war in Ukraine.
