Kim Jong Un Orders ‘Mass Production’ of Attack Drones Amid Rising Tensions

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has directed the mass production of attack drones capable of targeting land and sea objectives, according to state media reports on Friday. This move underscores Pyongyang’s intensifying focus on advancing unmanned military technology amid heightened global scrutiny over its alliance with Russia.

Drone Development and Testing

On Thursday, Kim oversaw the performance trials of suicide drones, which are designed to carry explosives and crash into enemy targets, acting as guided missiles. Conducted by North Korea’s Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex, the tests reportedly demonstrated precision in striking predetermined targets.

“He underscored the need to build a serial production system as early as possible and go into full-scale mass production,” the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. Kim described the drones as a cost-effective yet potent addition to North Korea’s military arsenal, emphasizing their versatility in offensive operations.

Deepening Ties with Russia?

Experts suggest North Korea’s drone technology may reflect its growing ties with Russia. Observers noted similarities between North Korea’s drones and models such as the Israeli-made “HAROP” and the Russian “Lancet-3.” It is suspected that Russia, potentially with Iran’s involvement, transferred the technology to Pyongyang.

South Korea has raised alarms over these developments. President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed concerns that Russia might be supplying North Korea with advanced military technologies in exchange for Pyongyang’s alleged deployment of troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Drone Warfare and Regional Impact

Kim highlighted the strategic integration of drones into North Korea’s broader military capabilities, indicating the nation’s recent focus on unmanned systems. Analysts warn that this could lead to escalations in tensions with South Korea, where drone operations have already been a point of contention.

North Korea has previously used drones and balloons to deliver propaganda and payloads into the South, which experts suggest could expand in scope with the deployment of attack drones. The South, in response, launched a dedicated drone operation command last year to counter these threats.

Rising Hostilities with South Korea

Ties between North and South Korea have deteriorated sharply in recent years. In October, North Korea amended its constitution to officially label South Korea as a “hostile state.” Kim has repeatedly referred to Seoul as the North’s “principal enemy,” with escalating rhetoric backed by increased ballistic missile tests and the destruction of infrastructure linking the two nations.