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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the mass production of suicide drones, marking a significant escalation in the country’s military capabilities. This directive, announced by state media, comes as concerns rise over North Korea’s expanding military cooperation with Russia, which may be fueling the development of these new unmanned systems.
These kamikaze drones were first unveiled by North Korea in August. Experts believe the development may be linked to the country’s growing defense ties with Russia, which has reportedly supplied North Korea with advanced military technology. The drones tested on Thursday by Kim’s forces were designed to strike both land and sea targets with high precision, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The tests demonstrated that the drones successfully followed predetermined flight paths and struck their targets, underscoring their effectiveness as a tool for remote attacks.
Kim emphasized the importance of scaling up drone production, calling them an “easy-to-use” component of North Korea’s strike capability due to their relatively low production costs and wide range of military applications. This move reflects Pyongyang’s increasing focus on unmanned aerial systems as part of its broader military strategy.
The design of these drones bears a striking resemblance to models used by other nations, such as the Israeli-made “HAROP” drone and “HERO 30” and Russia’s “Lancet-3.” Some analysts suggest that North Korea may have gained access to these technologies through its growing ties with Russia, which is also deepening its military cooperation with Iran. These nations are believed to have shared drone technologies, with Russia reportedly receiving drones and related components from Tehran.
The increased use of drones by North Korea comes at a time of heightened tensions with South Korea. Earlier this year, North Korea accused Seoul of violating its airspace with drones, and the South has since bolstered its defenses by launching a dedicated drone command to address the growing threat. North Korea’s expanding drone arsenal could further complicate regional security dynamics, especially as it continues to defy UN sanctions with ballistic missile tests and increasingly aggressive actions.
As North Korea steps up its production of attack drones, experts warn that these advancements, along with the potential transfer of sensitive military technology from Russia, could pose significant security challenges for the region and beyond.
