Latest news with #UnmannedAerialTechnologyComplex
Al Jazeera
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees tests of new AI-equipped suicide drones
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has personally supervised his country's testing of new AI-equipped suicide and reconnaissance drones and called for unmanned aircraft and artificial intelligence to be prioritised in military modernisation plans. State-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Thursday that Kim oversaw the testing of 'various kinds of reconnaissance and suicide drones' produced by North Korea's Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex. The new North Korean drones are capable of 'tracking and monitoring different strategic targets and enemy troop activities on the ground and the sea', while the attack drones will 'be used for various tactical attack missions', KCNA said, noting that both drone systems have been equipped with 'new artificial intelligence'. Kim agreed to expand the production capacity of 'unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence' and emphasised the importance of creating a long-term plan for North Korea to promote 'the rapid development' of 'intelligent drones', which is 'the trend of modern warfare'. Pictures from the tests, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, were said to show attack drones successfully striking ground targets, including military vehicles. Kim was pictured walking with aides near a newly developed unmanned aerial reconnaissance aircraft, which appeared to be larger than a fighter jet, and was seen boarding an airborne early warning and control (AEW) aircraft, according to pictures released by KCNA. The photos mark the first time such an aircraft was unveiled by the North, which was equipped with a radar dome on the fuselage, similar to the Boeing-manufactured Peace Eye operated by the South Korean air force. North Korea's efforts to create an early warning aircraft were previously reported by analysts who had used commercial satellite imagery to discover Pyongyang was converting a Russian-made Il-76 cargo aircraft into an early-warning role. The London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said in a report last year that an AEW aircraft would help augment North Korea's existing land-based radar systems, though just one aircraft would not be enough. During his visit to the test site, Kim was also briefed on intelligence-gathering capabilities as well as electronic jamming and attack systems newly developed by the country's electronic warfare group, KCNA said. The government of South Korea and analysts have repeatedly warned about the potential transfer of sensitive Russian military technology to North Korea in return for Kim's provision of thousands of North Korean troops and weapons to support Russia's war with Ukraine. Seoul's military said on Thursday that North Korea has so far this year supplied Russia with an additional 3,000 troops as well as missiles and other ammunition. 'It is estimated that an additional 3,000 troops were sent between January and February as reinforcements,' South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said, adding that of the initial 11,000 North Korean soldiers dispatched to Russia in 2024, 4,000 are believed to have been killed or wounded. 'In addition to manpower, North Korea continues to supply missiles, artillery equipment, and ammunition,' according to a report by the JCS. 'So far, it is assessed that North Korea has provided a significant quantity of short-range ballistic missiles [SRBMs], as well as about 220 units of 170mm self-propelled guns and 240mm multiple rocket launchers,' it said. The JCS also warned that 'these numbers could increase depending on the situation on the battlefield'.
Gulf Insider
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Kim Jong Un Unveils Large AI-Equipped Combat Drones
North Korea has unveiled a new batch of new AI-equipped suicide and reconnaissance drones which the country is showcasing as part of military modernization plans. State-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Thursday that leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the testing of 'various kinds of reconnaissance and suicide drones' which have long been in development by North Korea's Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex. One particular unmanned vehicle featured in an official photo set appeared huge in size… KCNA noted that Kim has authorized expanding production of the drone line, and there are reports the program had the assistance of Russia. Kim further at the event unveiled what's considered to be North Korea's first airborne early-warning aircraft. 'The field of unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence should be top-prioritized and developed in modernizing the armed forces,' Kim announced. The new airborne early warning and control aircraft is believed the result of North Korea modifying Russian-supplied aircraft into airborne radar platforms. The plane will complement North Korea's existing ground-based radar systems, allowing better radar detection unhindered by the Korean peninsula's mountainous terrain. As for the recent increasing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, Western media reports on Wednesday say that North Korea sent at least 3,000 more soldiers to Russia early this year. Click here to read more Also read: Ukraine Announces First Direct Clashes With North Korean Troops
Al Arabiya
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
North Korea's Kim oversees test of new ‘suicide drones'
North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversaw the test of new suicide and reconnaissance drones featuring AI technology, state media said Thursday, adding to concerns over Pyongyang's deepening military cooperation with Russia. Pyongyang unveiled its attack drones in August, with experts saying the new capability could be attributable to the country's budding alliance with traditional ally Russia. The nuclear-armed country has ratified a landmark defense pact with Moscow and is accused of deploying thousands of troops to Russia to support its war in Ukraine. Seoul has repeatedly warned about the potential transfer of sensitive Russian military technology to North Korea in return for troops and weapons to support Moscow's war with Kyiv. Kim on Thursday oversaw tests of 'various kinds of reconnaissance and suicide drones' produced by North Korea's Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. The new-type strategic reconnaissance drones are capable of 'tracking and monitoring different strategic targets and enemy troops' activities on the ground and the sea,' it added. The suicide drones also demonstrated the striking capability 'to be used for various tactical attack missions,' according to KCNA. Kim evaluated the improved performance of these drones, which have been equipped with 'new artificial intelligence,' KCNA reported. He also agreed to a plan 'for expanding the production capacity,' KCNA added. Kim said, 'the field of unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence should be top-prioritized and developed in modernizing the armed forces.' He also emphasized creating a 'state long-term plan for promoting the rapid development of the work to use intelligent drones.' This is in keeping with 'the trend of modern warfare in which the competition for using intelligent drones as a major means of military power.' Experts have warned that North Korean troops sent to fight for Russia will be gaining crucial modern warfare experience, including how drones are now used on the battlefield. Kim also expressed 'great satisfaction' over the fact that 'new electronic jamming and attack weapon systems began to be produced,' KCNA reported. North Korea has staged GPS jamming attacks on the South multiple times, an operation that affected several ships and dozens of civilian aircraft in the country. The report comes four months after Kim ordered the 'mass production' of attack drones that are designed to carry explosives and be deliberately crashed into enemy targets, effectively acting as guided missiles. In 2022, Pyongyang sent drones across the border that Seoul's military was unable to shoot down, saying they were too small.
