North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has conducted a high-profile inspection of new artificial intelligence-powered "suicide drones," marking a concerning advancement in the nation's military capabilities.
According to North Korea's state media outlet KCNA, Kim visited a military facility to examine multiple fixed-wing drones designed for one-time use in precision strike missions. These "kamikaze drones" are programmed to crash into and destroy designated targets.
The unmanned aerial vehicles reportedly combine reconnaissance abilities with AI-enhanced targeting systems, allowing them to identify and track tactical objectives across both land and sea environments.
South Korean defense officials have raised questions about the origin of the advanced targeting technology, suggesting possible Russian involvement. "Russia may have had something to do [with] the internal system and parts," said Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.
This development follows reports from South Korean intelligence that North Korea supplied Russia with over 6,700 containers of munitions in exchange for food and technical assistance earlier this year.
The unveiling comes as military powers worldwide race to integrate AI into warfare systems. While North Korea advances offensive drone capabilities, the United States is developing countermeasures through private sector partnerships, including a $642 million counter-drone program with Anduril Industries.
Military experts express growing concern about the reliability of autonomous weapons systems and their potential to spark unintended conflicts. The introduction of AI-powered attack drones by North Korea represents a notable shift toward machine-driven warfare with global security implications.