Kim Jong Un supervises ‘suicide drone’ test amid U.S.-South Korea drills

SEOUL, Aug. 25 — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently supervised a demonstration showcasing “suicide” drones, as reported by state-run media. This event occurred in the midst of significant joint military exercises conducted by U.S. and South Korean troops on the peninsula.

The demonstration took place on Saturday, featuring various types of drones that successfully targeted and destroyed designated objects after navigating predetermined routes, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Images released by KCNA depicted a white attack drone colliding with and obliterating what appeared to be a model of a South Korean K-2 battle tank.

These weapons are categorized as “kamikaze drones” or “loitering munitions,” and have been widely utilized in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with both U.S.-supplied Switchblade drones and Russia’s Zala Lancet and Iranian Shahed drones playing significant roles.

Kim emphasized that these drones are vital in preparing for warfare, influenced by evolving military science and real-world battlefield experiences. He stated that there is a pressing need to develop and manufacture diverse types of suicide drones, which would cater to tactical infantry, special operations, and reconnaissance needs. Additionally, he called for advancements in underwater drones and integration of artificial intelligence technology into their development.

North Korea’s weapons program has expanded since Kim laid out a five-year plan at a January 2021 party congress. Among the ambitions outlined were the development of unmanned striking capabilities and reconnaissance drones, which made their debut at a military parade in July 2023.

In December 2022, North Korea sent multiple drones into South Korean airspace, which included one briefly breaching a no-fly zone near the office of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

In response to the continuous advancements in North Korea’s weapons technology, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that they remain vigilant and prepared to confront any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threats from the North.

Military officials detailed that South Korea possesses a comprehensive detection and interception system designed to counter North Korea’s UAVs.

Regional analysts have pointed out the visual similarities between North Korean drones and those used by Russia and Iran. Lee Chang-hyun, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was questioned about potential exchanges of drone technology between North Korea and Russia. He acknowledged past instances where drones were exchanged but indicated that an analysis is needed to assess any improvements in the performance or capabilities of the drones.

The military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow have intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, marked by a mutual defense agreement signed between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June.

A separate briefing by the South’s Unification Ministry, which oversees relations with North Korea, noted that this was the first time North Korea had publicly showcased self-destructing drones.

This demonstration coincides with the ongoing 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercises led by the United States and South Korea. These large-scale drills, running through this Thursday, are designed to address North Korean nuclear and missile threats, as well as newer challenges including GPS jamming and cyber-attacks.

Concurrent to the drills, a three-day live-fire air exercise commenced on the western coast of the Korean Peninsula, involving around 60 military aircraft such as F-35A, F-15K, KF-16 fighters from South Korea, and U.S. A-10 attack aircraft.

Additionally, U.S. and South Korean marines and naval forces initiated a large-scale amphibious landing exercise, known as Ssangyong, in Pohang. This operation, deploying division-level forces on approximately 40 vessels, will run until September 7 and include around 40 aircraft and amphibious assault vehicles, according to the South’s Defense Ministry.

The joint military exercises have faced criticism from North Korea, denouncing them as rehearsals for invasion. North Korea maintains that its nuclear and weapon programs are essential for deterrence.