North Korea Advances Drone Capabilities Amid Rising Military Ties with Russia.

In a significant development within its military program, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the “mass production” of attack drones, as reported by state media outlet KCNA. This decision comes at a time when concerns loom over Pyongyang’s escalating military cooperation with Russia.

The unveiling of these attack drones initially took place in August, leading experts to suggest that North Korea’s advancements may be linked to its growing alliance with Moscow. On Thursday, Kim supervised a test of the drones, which are engineered for strikes against both land and maritime targets.

KCNA underscored Kim’s urgency in establishing a “serial production system” to ensure full-scale manufacturing of these drones. Designed to carry explosives and execute deliberate collisions with enemy targets, these unmanned aerial vehicles function akin to guided missiles.

During the recent test, the drones reportedly demonstrated precision in striking targets after following predetermined flight paths. According to KCNA, “The suicide attack drones… are to perform a mission to precisely attack any enemy targets on the ground and in the sea,” highlighting North Korea’s strategic ambition to enhance its military capabilities in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions.