North Korea tests kamikaze drones amid US‑South Korea drills

In North Korea, tests with new kamikaze drones were conducted. The exercises were overseen by Kim Jong Un, who announced the acceleration of work on this type of weapon to increase the army's "combat readiness." Pyongyang's actions reportedly took place at exactly the same time as US and South Korean forces were conducting extensive maneuvers.

On Saturday, Kim Jong Un visited the Drone Institute of North Korea's Academy of Military Science. There, the test of new kamikaze drones was conducted, during which the drones "correctly identified and destroyed designated targets after completing various previously designated routes," reported the North Korean state agency KCNA.

The official North Korean media reported on Monday that Kim Jong Un announced the acceleration of work on developing kamikaze drones to increase the army's "combat readiness."

The Associated Press notes that in photos published by the media, a drone with X-shaped wings is seen striking a target resembling a South Korean K-2 tank. Other drones attacked targets by firing missiles.

According to the KCNA agency, Kim Jong Un stated that more kamikaze drones, alongside reconnaissance and strike ones, need to be developed and produced. The North Korean dictator also wants the new weapons added to his country's military arsenal as soon as possible.

Kim Jong Un added that his country should work on using artificial intelligence in drones.

AP emphasizes that the tests held on Saturday occurred during the large-scale joint military exercises of the US and South Korea. The aim of the maneuvers, which are to last until Thursday, is—as announced in Seoul—to further strengthen the defense potential against Pyongyang's nuclear threats.