SEOUL, South Korea: North Korea has revealed a new “suicide drone,” with leader Kim Jong Un personally overseeing its performance test, according to state media reports on Monday.
These explosive-carrying unmanned drones are designed to be crashed into enemy targets, acting as guided missiles. During the test, the drones successfully identified and destroyed targets after following predetermined routes.
Kim, who watched the test through high-powered binoculars, expressed the need for North Korea to develop and produce more of these drones. The country’s expanding drone fleet, including strategic reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones, is intended for use against both ground and sea targets. Additionally, Kim announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence technology into the development of these drones.
Experts have noted that the drones displayed in North Korean state media bear a striking resemblance to existing models like the Israeli-made HAROP, the Russian Lancet-3, and the Israeli HERO 30. This has led to speculation that North Korea may have acquired these technologies from Russia, potentially through Iran, which is suspected of accessing them via hacking or theft from Israel.
The unveiling of these drones represents a significant threat to South Korea’s national security. Experts warn that in the event of a provocation or international conflict, South Korea’s military could suffer considerable damage from these advanced drones. This concern is underscored by a 2022 incident in which North Korean drones crossed into South Korea, eluding the country’s defences.
In response to these growing threats, South Korea launched a drone operation command in 2023 to better address the challenges posed by North Korea’s expanding drone capabilities. The development of these new drones also comes amid closer ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, with the two nations strengthening their alliance following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The United States and South Korea have accused North Korea of supplying ammunition and missiles to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This latest development highlights the increasing military tension in the region and raises concerns about the potential implications for global security.
