North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, observed the crash of attack drones into vehicles and armored tanks this week, igniting significant interest in the technology. Following these demonstrations, state media reported on Friday that he has ordered the mass production of similar drones, which are becoming a crucial component of the North's military capabilities.
Kim is focused on addressing the outdated state of his military's conventional weapons by introducing an array of advanced weapons systems, including nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and underwater attack drones. Analysts suggest that one of Kim's key lessons from the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is the increasing significance of drones in contemporary warfare.
For North Korea, which faces chronic shortages of fuel and spare parts, low-cost weapons like drones are particularly appealing, according to military experts. In recent military parades in Pyongyang, various reconnaissance and attack drones were showcased, resembling models from China and the United States, though their technological capabilities remain uncertain.
Kim stated that the global military community would likely recognize the effectiveness of drones in various conflicts. He emphasized their necessity due to their expanding utility, low production costs, and straightforward manufacturing processes. North Korean media claimed the country had made "remarkable successes" in drone development, although these claims could not be independently verified.
Analysts speculate that North Korea's heightened drone focus may indicate the acquisition of Russian technology to assist in drone development for both regional use and possible export. However, uncertainty persists regarding North Korea's capacity to scale production sufficiently to support Russia's military efforts in Ukraine.
The North Korean news agency obscured images of the drones inspected by Kim, which coincides with growing global interest in the country's military capabilities. Estimates suggest that North Korea has deployed up to 13,000 troops to Russia, with some reportedly engaging in combat alongside Russian forces, marking the North's first significant involvement in armed conflict since the Korean War.
This deployment signals a strengthening of military ties with Russia and raises questions about potential returns for North Korea, including assistance for its nuclear missile program and modernization of conventional forces. Military analysts believe North Korea will gain valuable combat experience and insights into modern warfare tactics, particularly regarding drone usage.
Top North Korean military officers have been sent to Russia to observe the conflict and analyze advanced military technologies, including the implementation of artificial intelligence in drone operations. They are also expected to gather information on anti-drone systems.
The role of drones is expanding in the arms race between North and South Korea. In past years, North Korean media showcased drone attacks on mock South Korean targets, while South Korean officials have identified and examined downed North Korean drones, which were described as basic. Nonetheless, there are concerns that North Korea may use more sophisticated, hard-to-detect drones as "suicide bombers" in future operations.
In response to previous incursions by North Korean drones, South Korea has vowed to enhance its drone and anti-drone capabilities. South Korean national security adviser Shin Won-sik noted that South Korea successfully dispatched drones across the border undetected by North Korea, leading to the dismissal of several top military officials in Pyongyang.
Kim’s recent visit to the drone complex may have been intended to showcase military capabilities to the North Korean public, especially following recent propaganda leafleting activities over Pyongyang, which the North attributed to South Korean efforts—a claim South Korea has dismissed as unworthy of response.