North Korea Unveils AI-Powered Kamikaze Drones—Who’s the Target?

North Korea is pushing the boundaries of modern warfare with artificial intelligence (AI). Leader Kim Jong Un recently supervised the test of AI-powered suicide drones.

Emphasizing that unmanned weapons and AI-driven systems must be top priorities for the country’s military, state media reported on Thursday. This move highlights Pyongyang’s efforts to enhance its combat capabilities amid rising global tensions.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the new drones can track enemy movements on land and sea, while attack drones are designed for various tactical missions. Both systems are powered by advanced AI, signaling North Korea’s ambition to integrate smart technology into its arsenal.

Kim has called for a significant expansion in the production of AI-driven drones and other unmanned military equipment. He stressed the need for a long-term strategy to develop “intelligent drones,” calling them the future of warfare.

In a separate reveal, North Korea introduced its first-ever airborne early-warning aircraft, a crucial addition to its aging air defense systems. State media images showed Kim inspecting a large, four-engine aircraft equipped with a radar dome, believed to be a modified Russian-made Il-76 cargo plane.

North Korea’s growing drone program comes amid increasing military cooperation with Russia. Reports suggest that North Korean troops have gained battlefield experience in drone warfare while assisting Russia in Ukraine. In return, Moscow has allegedly provided Pyongyang with anti-air missiles and air defense equipment, according to South Korean officials.

During the inspection, Kim also reviewed new reconnaissance systems, electronic jamming devices, and advanced attack technologies. This latest showcase underlines North Korea’s determination to modernize its military with cutting-edge AI and drone capabilities.