North Korea showcases new kamikaze drones

Leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a test launch of unmanned aerial vehicles that destroy various mock targets

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen the testing of new domestically-developed suicide drones amid rising tensions with the US and South Korea, state-run KCNA news agency reported on Monday.

The remotely piloted loitering munitions can reportedly be deployed with different striking ranges, and are able to correctly identify and destroy both ground and sea targets.

Kim urged researchers to develop and produce more suicide drones of various types that could be deployed with tactical infantry and special operation units, as well as strategic reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones. The North Korean leader also called for introducing artificial intelligence for unmanned aerial vehicles.

The images shared by the agency show the drones taking off and destroying test targets, including a mock tank, and Kim observing the test along with senior state officials.

In recent months, North Korea has been actively building up armaments while voicing strong concern about US military drills conducted near the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang has suggested that the exercises could be rehearsals for a possible invasion.

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Earlier this month, KCNA reported that the country had bolstered its military capabilities with 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers. Kim stated at the time that the buildup was in response to what he sees as “increasingly savage” cooperation between Washington and its regional allies.

In April, while addressing students of the Military and Political Academy in Pyongyang the North Korean leader said that the nation needs to be ready to fight and win a war, citing the unstable military and political situation in the region.

The latest drone test came as the US and South Korean militaries conduct 11-day military exercises that continue through Thursday. The joint drills include computer-simulated war games and over 40 kinds of field exercises, including live-fire drills.