North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen the testing of domestically developed attack drones, calling for accelerated production and deployment of various drone types. The test, conducted on Saturday at the Institute of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles of the Academy of Defense Science, showcased white drones with X-shaped wings destroying targets resembling South Korean K-2 tanks.Kim emphasized the importance of drones in modern warfare, stating that ‘global trends in military technologies and modern combat have shown the importance of drones in war’. He ordered the development and production of various systems, including kamikaze drones for infantry and special operations units, strategic reconnaissance drones, multi-purpose attack drones, and underwater explosive drones.This event occurs amid rising tensions with the US and South Korea, who are conducting joint military exercises called Ulchi Freedom Shield until Thursday. The exercises, which include amphibious landing operations involving dozens of aircraft and ships, aim to improve the allies’ combined defense capabilities against North Korea’s growing nuclear threats.Experts suggest possible Russian involvement in North Korea’s drone technology acquisition. Lee Chang Hyun, a spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated, ‘We are aware that, during past exchanges between North Korea and Russia, some (drones) were given to North Korea as gifts’. Some analysts note similarities between North Korean drones and Russian-made Lancet-3 drones.The development of these new drone capabilities, particularly the potential for long-range strikes and underwater attacks, represents a significant advancement in North Korea’s military technology. Professor Cho Sang-keun from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology warned that suicide drones resembling the Israeli-made Harop could potentially fly over 1,000 km, posing a substantial threat to South Korea and its critical infrastructure.
Key points
- North Korea successfully tested new attack drones, with Kim Jong-un calling for increased production.
- Various types of drones are being developed, including kamikaze, reconnaissance, and underwater explosive drones.
- The drone tests coincide with US-South Korea joint military exercises, escalating regional tensions.
- Experts suggest possible Russian involvement in North Korea’s drone technology acquisition.
Contradictions👾While most sources report the drone tests as recent, one source mentions a test on August 24, which conflicts with other reports stating the test occurred on Saturday, August 26.
