North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for rapid development of the country’s drone technology while overseeing tests of several weapons systems. The announcement comes at a time when tensions between North Korea and South Korea remain high along their heavily guarded border.
According to North Korean state media, Kim considers advanced drone technology a major military priority. He wants the country to strengthen its unmanned weapons systems and improve both conventional and nuclear military capabilities. Experts believe North Korean troops sent to Russia to support its war against Ukraine may have gained valuable experience in modern drone warfare through their involvement alongside Russian forces.
On Thursday, October 29, Kim visited an exhibition displaying different types of attack drones. During his visit, he highlighted the importance of achieving what he described as “absolute superiority” in drone technology. He also called for the rapid expansion and improvement of the country’s unmanned military systems, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
As part of the military activities, North Korea conducted several weapons tests involving drones, missiles and other military equipment. The tests reportedly included 600 mm-calibre ultra-precision rocket launchers. Photographs released by state media showed Kim observing the weapons demonstrations. His teenage daughter was also present at the event and was seen applauding beside him. She is frequently discussed by observers as a possible future successor, although North Korea has not officially confirmed this.
Earlier on Thursday, South Korea reported detecting the launch of around 10 short-range ballistic missiles from North Korea’s eastern coast. The launches marked the first reported missile activity of this kind in 17 days, adding to concerns about increasing military tensions in the region.
Relations between the two countries have remained strained since an incident last month in which three South Korean soldiers were injured by landmines near the border. Seoul accused North Korea of placing the mines and demanded an apology. However, Pyongyang denied responsibility and warned of possible retaliation.
North Korea also threatened last week to restart propaganda broadcasts near the border and deploy additional weapons systems in the area. These developments have increased concerns about the possibility of further military confrontations between the neighbouring countries.
Diplomatic relations have also remained limited. North Korea has not held meaningful talks with the United States or South Korea since 2019, when diplomatic efforts between Kim Jong Un and former US President Donald Trump collapsed. However, North Korea’s recent increase in weapons testing has raised speculation that the country may be trying to strengthen its military position ahead of possible future negotiations with Washington.
Meanwhile, Kim has also shown interest in strengthening relations with China, North Korea’s most important economic partner. On October 24, he visited a Chinese border town through a newly opened bridge and expressed his intention to develop closer ties between the two countries.
In another diplomatic development, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis arrived in North Korea on October 29 for the reopening of Switzerland’s diplomatic office in Pyongyang. He was expected to meet North Korean officials before travelling to South Korea on October 30.
The developments highlight North Korea’s growing focus on military technology alongside its efforts to maintain important international relationships. With weapons testing continuing and diplomatic tensions unresolved, the Korean Peninsula remains a closely watched region.