North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been photographed inspecting newly developed AI-equipped suicide drones, as revealed by the country’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

AI-Powered Suicide Drones: North Korea’s Latest Military Advancements

The undated images from KCNA show Kim on a runway alongside top military officials, reviewing one of the attack drones. The report confirmed that Kim has approved plans to expand production of these drones, marking a significant step in North Korea’s military modernization efforts.

Experts suggest that Russia may have played a role in advancing Pyongyang’s drone technology. In recent months, North Korea has deepened military ties with Moscow, reportedly sending soldiers to assist in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Military Experts Express Concern Over North Korea’s Drone Capabilities

According to James Patton Rogers, executive director of the Cornell Brooks Tech Policy Institute and a drone warfare specialist, North Korea’s progress in AI-powered drones is a direct result of its strengthened ties with Russia.

“This development should concern South Korea and the international community,” Patton Rogers told the BBC. “North Korea is clearly prioritizing drone warfare, but the question remains whether their AI algorithms are advanced and secure enough to avoid unintended escalations in the region.”

North Korea first unveiled these loitering munitions—drones that crash into targets with built-in warheads—in August 2024. At the time, KCNA announced Pyongyang’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into its weapons systems.

North Korea Unveils First Airborne Early-Warning Aircraft

In addition to the AI drones, North Korea has also introduced its first airborne early-warning aircraft.

South Korean TV networks recently broadcast footage of what appears to be an aircraft with radar capabilities, designed to provide aerial surveillance during combat. Unlike traditional fighter jets, these commercial aircraft-like planes are equipped with advanced radar systems for battlefield monitoring.

Russian Influence on North Korea’s Military Technology

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff public affairs director, Lee Sung-jun, stated that an assessment is ongoing to determine the effectiveness of North Korea’s new aircraft. He noted that the internal components and radar systems could have links to Russian technology.

The growing military cooperation between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin has raised global concerns. Western intelligence agencies believe North Korea has been supplying Russia with weapons, while Russia, in turn, has been providing satellite and missile technology to Pyongyang.

In June 2024, Kim and Putin signed an agreement pledging mutual support in case of external aggression against either nation. Just last month, South Korea’s intelligence agency reported that North Korea deployed additional troops to Russia, including personnel stationed on the frontline in Kursk, where Ukraine recently launched a counteroffensive.

As North Korea’s military ambitions continue to evolve, the global community remains watchful of its deepening alliance with Russia and the potential implications for regional and global security.