Kim Jong Un orders North Korea to prioritize AI drone dominance

A push for AI dominance

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has officially called for his military to achieve superiority in drone technology. During a weapons exhibition on October 29, he emphasized that unmanned weapons are becoming increasingly vital in modern warfare. He directed the country to accelerate the development of weapons powered by artificial intelligence.

This directive marks a significant priority for the development of North Korea's armed forces. Kim wants to move beyond simple remote-controlled machines to systems that can operate with greater autonomy. By integrating AI, the military aims to create more sophisticated tools for surveillance and combat.

The move comes as the country continues to modernize its military capabilities. State-run media reported that the leader wants to ensure these technologies are central to the nation's defense strategy. This shift reflects a broader trend of incorporating high-tech software into traditional hardware.

The weapons exhibition

The exhibition showcased a variety of unmanned aircraft and heavy weaponry. The display included one-way attack drones, which are often called suicide drones because they are designed to detonate upon hitting a target. The military also displayed tactical cruise missiles and multipurpose drones.

In addition to drones, the demonstration featured 600-millimeter multiple rocket launchers. These are large systems capable of firing many rockets at once toward a target. State media claimed that both the drones and the cruise missiles successfully hit their designated targets during the event.

However, independent observers have not verified the accuracy or performance of these weapons. The demonstration serves as a public display of North Korea's growing technical reach. It highlights the diversity of their current arsenal, ranging from small drones to heavy rocket systems.

Recent missile activity

The weapons display occurred alongside a series of missile launches detected by South Korean authorities. On October 29, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported finding approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles. These were launched from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea, which is also known as the Sea of Japan.

The missiles reportedly traveled about 250 kilometres during their flight. South Korean and US military officials have begun analyzing these launches to understand the specific characteristics of the weapons used. It is currently unclear if these specific launches were linked to the weapons exhibition reported by Pyongyang.

South Korea's National Security Office criticized this activity as a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. These resolutions are meant to restrict the development of North Korea's ballistic missile program. The situation remains tense as Seoul maintains heightened surveillance for any further launches.

Lessons from Russia

North Korea's focus on drones may be influenced by its military cooperation with Russia. Intelligence suggests that more than 16,000 North Korean personnel have been sent to Russia since October 2024. These troops are supporting the ongoing war against Ukraine, providing them with real-world battlefield experience.

Experts believe this deployment has exposed North Korean forces to modern drone operations and electronic warfare. Electronic warfare involves using electromagnetic signals to disrupt enemy communications or radar. This experience could be influencing how Pyongyang designs and uses its own domestic weapons.

While it is difficult to determine exactly how much this experience has changed their technology, the timing is notable. North Korea has shown a steady increase in drone-related orders and inspections over the last year. The transition from testing to mass production suggests a maturing military strategy.

The future of the peninsula

The continued development of AI and drones adds a new layer of complexity to regional security. North Korea defends these programs as a necessity for national security. Meanwhile, South Korea and its allies remain concerned about the expansion of Pyongyang's military reach.

The move toward unmanned systems could change how conflicts are fought on the Korean Peninsula. Drones are increasingly used for reconnaissance and for striking military targets with precision. This shift requires allies to develop new ways to detect and counter autonomous threats.

As Kim Jong Un continues to prioritize these technologies, the international community will likely watch for more tests. The integration of AI into military systems represents a significant investment in the country's long-term defense goals. The next phase will likely involve more frequent demonstrations of these high-tech capabilities.