Kim Jong-un Watch Directly North Korea's Tactical Attack Drone Trial
JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a tactical attack drone performance test, stressing the need to advance artificial intelligence (AI) technology that can be applied and strengthen its operational capabilities, state media reported on Friday.
Kim Jong-un examined a test run of unmanned weapons being developed and manufactured by an institution and company under the auspices of the Nirawak Aeronautics Technology Complex on Thursday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), quoted from The Korea Times September 19.
Leader Kim reviewed the performance and combat roles of strategic and tactical reconnaissance drones, as well as multipurpose unmanned aerial vehicles.
The test proved "the extraordinary effectiveness of the Kumsong series tactical attack drone for combat purposes, along with military strategic values and the performance of the capabilities of strategic reconnaissance drones," the KCNA statement said.
This is the first time North Korean state media have reported a Kumsong series tactical attack drone.
Leader Kim said advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and operational capabilities of armament systems and unmanned equipment should be a top priority in modernizing armed forces, stressing drones have emerged as key military assets in modern warfare, according to KCNA.
He also called for "the main effort to develop the newly introduced artificial intelligence technology quickly and expand and strengthen serial production capacity," he added.
North Korea has focused on developing drones, especially as North Korea sends troops to Russia to support Moscow's war with Ukraine, where drones play a major role in combat.
Tre separah, ahli mengatakan uji coba drone terbaru Korea Utara kemungkinan terkait dengan kebijakan pengembangan pertahanan yang kemungkinan akan diumumkan rezim tersebut pada congress partai penting yang dijadwalkan akhir tahun ini atau awal tahun depan.
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Hong Min, a senior researcher at South Korea's National Unification Institute, said North Korea's move appeared aimed at demonstrating its strength against the ongoing joint military exercises between Seoul and Washington.
"North Korea may intend to demonstrate its ability to spy on enemy activity and attack radar bases or main air defenses," he said.
South Korea and the United States will complete a five-day Iron Mace table war exercise, focusing on the integration of Washington's nuclear assets and Seoul's conventional ability to prevent North Korea's threat, on the same day.