North Korea expands drone technology amid rising tensions
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for rapidly expanding the country’s drone technology and observed tests of various weapons, state media reported Friday, as his nation remains embroiled in a standoff with rival South Korea along their heavily fortified border, reports BritPanorama.
A priority for Kim is acquiring advanced drones to enhance both conventional and nuclear capabilities. Experts say his troops, dispatched to Russia to support its war against Ukraine, have most likely gained valuable expertise on drone warfare from Russian forces and associated battlefield experiences.
The North’s official Korean Central News Agency stated that Kim visited an exhibition showcasing various attack and other drones reflecting recent achievements in unmanned aeronautical technology.
In a speech at the exhibition, Kim emphasized the need to seize “the absolute superiority in drone technology” and laid out unspecified steps needed to “rapidly expand and strengthen unmanned aeronautical technology,” according to KCNA.
Following the event, KCNA reported that North Korea subsequently conducted test-launches of various drones, missiles, and weapons from 600 mm-caliber ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers. Photographs showed Kim watching as weapons soared, with his teenage daughter clapping nearby. South Korea’s intelligence agency believes the girl, reportedly around 13, is likely in line to become Kim’s successor.
Earlier, South Korea’s military detected the launch of about 10 short-range ballistic missiles from North Korea’s eastern coastal town of Wonsan. This marked North Korea’s first ballistic weapons firings in 17 days.
Tensions between the two Koreas have intensified following land mine blasts last month at their border that wounded three South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused North Korea of burying mines south of the military demarcation line and demanded an apology. Pyongyang has denied responsibility and threatened retaliation if provoked.
Last week, North Korea announced plans to resume propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts and to deploy new weapons systems along the border.
The North has withdrawn from talks with the U.S. and South Korea after Kim’s high-stakes diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. Recently, North Korea has increased weapons testing activities, seemingly aiming to enhance its bargaining position in potential diplomatic engagements with the U.S. after Trump expressed eagerness to restore discussions with Kim.
Additionally, on Saturday, Kim made a surprise visit to a Chinese border town via a newly opened bridge, seeking to develop bilateral ties. He appears to be strengthening connections with China after previously prioritizing relations with Russia, supplying thousands of troops and munitions likely in exchange for economic and military assistance.
Meanwhile, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis arrived in North Korea on Thursday to witness the reopening of Switzerland’s diplomatic office in Pyongyang and to meet North Korean officials. He is scheduled to travel to South Korea on Friday.
