Michelle ThompsonNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been seen inspecting newly developed suicide drones, which state media claim are now integrated with artificial intelligence (AI).
Images released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) show Kim, accompanied by officials, examining a drone on a runway. The agency also reported that Kim approved plans to scale up production of the technology.
Experts suggest that Russia likely played a role in advancing North Korea’s drone capabilities, given Pyongyang’s recent military support for Moscow in the Ukraine conflict. James Patton Rogers, executive director of the Cornell Brooks Tech Policy Institute and a drone specialist, described the drone’s development as a direct outcome of the strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia.
North Korea first introduced these drones—also known as loitering munitions, which are designed to crash into targets with built-in warheads—in August 2024. At the time, KCNA stated that Pyongyang aimed to “proactively” integrate AI technology into its weapon systems.
Patton Rogers warned that this advancement poses a serious concern for South Korea and the global community, emphasizing North Korea’s growing reliance on drones for its military strategy.
“The key question is whether these AI algorithms are sophisticated, secure, and reliable enough to avoid escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula,” he told the BBC.
He also suggested that Russian support likely contributed to the drone’s development.
South Korean television has broadcast footage of what appears to be an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Alongside the drone, Kim Jong Un also introduced what is believed to be North Korea’s first airborne early-warning aircraft.
Resembling a commercial jet, these aircraft are equipped with radar systems designed to monitor combat zones from the air.
South Korean authorities stated that further analysis is needed to assess the aircraft’s capabilities. According to Lee Sung-jun, public affairs director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, internal components may have links to Russia.
Kim has been accused of supplying weapons to Russia, while Vladimir Putin is suspected of providing North Korea with space technology that could enhance its missile program.
In June 2023, Putin and Kim signed an agreement committing both nations to support each other in case of external aggression.
Last month, South Korea’s intelligence agency reported that North Korea had deployed more troops to Russia, including forces sent to reinforce positions in the western Kursk region following a Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Emily Martinez
