Kim Jong-un. Photo: STR / AFP
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has called for the urgent organisation of mass production of kamikaze attack drones, state media reported on Friday. The news comes amid accusations that North Korea is sending weapons and military personnel to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, AP reports.
According to North Korea’s KCNA news agency, Kim Jong-Un personally attended the testing of these drones at one of the factories on Thursday.
“He stressed the need to establish mass production of these drones as soon as possible and move to mass production,” KCNA reported.
New generation of strike drones
Kamikaze drones developed in North Korea deliberately crash into enemy targets, acting as guided missiles. According to experts, these developments may be the result of increased military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
During the tests, the drones “accurately” hit the targets, flying along pre-determined routes. KCNA notes that these drones can strike land and sea targets with high accuracy.
Kim Jong-un said that drones are “cost-effective” due to their low production costs and wide range of possible applications.
“We are paying special attention to the development of unmanned vehicles and their integration into the country’s overall military strategy,” the North Korean leader stressed.
Parallels with foreign developments
Analysts point out that the drones presented resemble the Russian Lancet-3, as well as the Israeli Harop and Hero-30 models. Experts suggest that Pyongyang could have obtained these technologies through Russia, which, in turn, probably acquired them from Iran.
Rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula
The news comes amidst a deterioration in relations between North and South Korea. Pyongyang has recently tested a new solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile, which it has declared to be the most advanced in its arsenal.
Earlier, in 2022, North Korea launched drones into South Korea. Five drones crossed the border, prompting South Korean aircraft to be deployed, but none of the drones were shot down.
The development and mass production of kamikaze drones could become a new tool of Pyongyang’s pressure, while strengthening its military arsenal against the backdrop of deepening cooperation with Russia.
