Kim Jong Un Calls for Absolute Supremacy in Drones and AI

After officially joining the club of nuclear states and developing intercontinental ballistic missiles, North Korea seeks absolute supremacy in the field of drones.

The Central News Agency reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for his country to achieve "absolute supremacy" in unmanned aerial vehicle technology during a visit to an exhibition on unmanned aviation technology and a weapons display.

The agency added that a firepower demonstration was held following the exhibition, featuring suicide drones, tactical cruise missiles, multi-purpose drones, and a range of 600mm multiple rocket launchers.

The South Korean military said today, Thursday, that its northern neighbor launched about 10 projectiles, including short-range ballistic missiles.

According to the Central News Agency, Kim stated that pursuing superiority in drone technology is an "indispensable option" given the changing nature of modern war.

The agency quoted him as also saying that the use of advanced artificial intelligence in unmanned weapon systems must be a top priority for North Korea to build a modern armed force.

Kim has repeatedly called for the development of drones and AI in the military. According to state media, Kim ordered the mass production of suicide drones in November 2024 and supervised tests of AI-equipped models in March 2025. In September 2025, he described AI as a top priority in weapon modernization.

Since October 2024, North Korea has sent more than 16,000 personnel to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.

South Korean intelligence concluded that Pyongyang gained practical experience in drone warfare, electronic warfare, and multi-domain operations.