North Korea’s expanding military prowess was on display as North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, oversaw tests of AI-enabled suicide drones and reconnaissance drones, according to state media KCNA’s report on Thursday.
KCNA reported Kim stating, “The realm of unmanned technology and artificial intelligence must be our top focus and developed to modernize our armed forces.”
In a push to modernize, Kim inspected enhanced reconnaissance drones capable of tracking land and sea targets, as well as new aerial early-warning aircraft, which is aimed at complementing North Korea’s ground-based radar systems. From photos by the agency, Kim examined a modified four-engine aircraft equipped with a radar dome, presumed to be a Russian Il-76 cargo plane.
According to the report, “The AEW aircraft’s ability to observe downward helps to counteract the challenges posed by terrain and ground-clutter returns when tracking low-altitude aircraft and cruise missiles.”
Drone attack tests were also conducted, with images revealing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) engaging targets. The tests took place during Kim’s visit to a drone technology complex and an electronic warfare research group.
As for the situation with North Korean troops in Russia, South Korean national security adviser Shin Won-sik confirmed in November that Russia supplied Pyongyang with anti-air missiles and air defense systems in exchange for military support in the Ukraine conflict, where North Korean troops are reportedly gaining valuable drone warfare experience. Seoul’s military stated that 3,000 additional North Korean troops reinforced Russia’s war efforts between January and February, with approximately 4,000 of the 11,000 deployed having been killed or injured.
Edited by Sean Sinico
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/kim-jong-un-oversees-tests-of-ai-suicide-drones/a-72051107?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
