Kim Jong-un inspects test of new drones amid ongoing South Korea-US joint drill

By Im Yoon-seo Posted : August 26, 2024, 15:09 Updated : August 26, 2024, 15:18
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (far right) oversees a drone test at an undisclosed location in North Korea on Aug. 24, 2024, in this photo released by Pyongyang's state-run Korea Central News Agency two days later.
SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watched a test of new drones and vowed to develop more such weapons to boost the isolated country's war readiness, state media reported Monday.

"It is necessary to develop and produce more suicide drones of various types to be used in tactical infantry and special operation units, as well as strategic reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones," Kim was quoted as saying by Pyongyang's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Photos released by KCNA showed two types of drones, one resembling the Israeli-made Harop unmanned aerial vehicle and another similar to the Russian-made Lancet kamikaze drone. This has fueled speculation that Russia may have assisted North Korea in their development. It is the first time North Korea has unveiled photos of such weapons.

In the test, the drones successfully flew along the trajectory of preset routes, accurately identifying and striking targets which looked like a South Korean K-2 tank.

Expressing satisfaction, Kim called for the continued development of suicide attack drones for missions against enemy targets on the ground and at sea. He also stressed the importance of integrating artificial intelligence technology into the development of these drones.
 
A target explodes during a drone test at an undisclosed location in North Korea on Aug. 24, 2024, in this photo released by Pyongyang's state-run Korea Central News Agency two days later.
Suicide drones, also known as loitering munitions, are cost-effective and capable of stealthily approaching various targets. They have emerged as key weapons in modern warfare, increasingly replacing conventional weapons including cruise missiles, as seen in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

North Korea's test over the weekend took place as the U.S. and South Korea are staging their joint military drill, which aims to enhance their combined military capabilities to defend against the growing nuclear threat from North Korea.

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