North Korea Leader Kim Jong Un Oversees Tests of AI Suicide Drones

March 27, 2025 | 05:05 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the testing of a suicide unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). As reported by Reuters, Kim Jong Un stated that unmanned control and AI capabilities must be a top priority in modern arms development.

Kim Jong Un inspected new reconnaissance drones capable of detecting various tactical targets and enemy activities on land and at sea. "The field of unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence top-prioritized and developed in modernizing the armed forces," said Kim Jong Un as quoted by KCNA.

Nuclear-armed North Korea also officially launched an airborne early warning aircraft for the first time. This weapon can enhance its aging air defense system.

Photos published by state media showed Kim Jong Un climbing steps to the door of a large aircraft with four engines and a radar dome mounted on the aircraft's fuselage. He observed the aircraft flying low.

Using commercial satellite imagery, analysts previously reported that North Korea was modifying Russian-made Il-76 cargo planes for early warning. Such aircraft would help supplement North Korea's ground radar systems. At times, these systems are hindered by the mountainous terrain on the peninsula, said the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London in a report last September.

According to KCNA, North Korea's new drone is capable of tracking and monitoring various strategic targets and enemy forces' activities on ground and at sea. Meanwhile, attack drones will be used for various tactical strike missions. KCNA noted that both drone systems have been equipped with new artificial intelligence.

"Kim Jong Un agreed to expand the production capacity of unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence,” said KCNA as cited by Al Jazeera, adding that Kim emphasized the importance of creating a long-term plan for North Korea to quickly develop “intelligent drones.”

Images from the tests conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday reportedly showed the attack drones successfully striking ground targets, including military vehicles. These photos mark the first time such aircraft has been officially unveiled by North Korea, equipped with a radar dome on the aircraft's fuselage, similar to the Boeing-made Peace Eye operated by the South Korean air force.

South Korea has repeatedly warned that North Korea is reaping the benefits of technology transfer from Russia, as it sent thousands of its soldiers to the war in Ukraine. The Seoul military said on Thursday that North Korea has this year provided Russia with an additional 3,000 troops as well as missiles and other ammunition.

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