North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled suicide attack drones, calling for greater integration of technology, particularly AI, into the country’s weapons program, Bloomberg reports.
The directive aims to boost the capabilities of tactical infantry and special operations units, the news agency says, citing North Korean state media reports.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim said in was necessary to develop and produce various suicide drones. Photos released by North Korean state media depicted a drone being launched and subsequently crashing into a tank, igniting it in flames. This marks the first time North Korea has showcased its suicide attack drones.
While questions remain regarding the development of North Korea’s unmanned aerial vehicles and its potential to implement artificial intelligence effectively, Kim outlined that drone production for both aerial and maritime applications was a top priority.
South Korea has been on high alert regarding drone threats ever since North Korea sent five unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across the border in 2022. One of these drones reportedly came alarmingly close to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office in Seoul, prompting a failed attempt by South Korea’s military to shoot them down over concerns of firing munitions in densely populated areas.
In response to the growing drone threat, South Korea’s government has pledged to invest about 560 billion won (some $423 million) over the next five years to enhance its drone capabilities, including systems designed to counter enemy UAVs. Last month, the Yoon administration announced plans to develop and deploy laser weapons against North Korean drones.
