North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the rapid development of drone technology in the country and watched tests of various weapons systems as tensions with South Korea continue to mount along the border.
Source: Associated Press , citing North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)
Details: Acquiring advanced drones is a key priority for Kim, who is seeking to strengthen both the country's conventional and nuclear capabilities. Experts believe that North Korean troops sent to Russia to support its war against Ukraine have likely gained valuable experience in drone warfare from the Russian Armed Forces.
KCNA reported that Kim visited an exhibition of various attack and other drones on Thursday 29 October, showcasing the latest advances in uncrewed aeronautical technology.
According to KCNA, in a speech at the exhibition, Kim stressed the need to achieve "absolute superiority in the drone technology" and announced unspecified measures required to "rapidly expand and strengthen the unmanned aeronautical technology" .
KCNA also reported that North Korea later conducted test launches of various drones, missiles and munitions from 60 0 m m ultra-precision multiple-launch rocket systems.
Photographs released by KCNA show Kim watching missiles in flight or clenching his fist, while his teenage daughter, standing beside him, applauds.
South Korea's military said earlier that it had detected the launch of around 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the North Korean east coast city of Wonsan on Thursday. These were North Korea's first ballistic weapons launches in 17 days.
AP noted that tensions between the two Koreas remain high following landmine explosions along the border last month that injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused North Korea of laying mines south of the military demarcation line and demanded an apology. Pyongyang denied responsibility for the explosions and warned that it would take retaliatory measures in the event of provocation.
North Korea threatened last week to resume propaganda broadcasts over loudspeakers and deploy new weapons systems along the border.
North Korea withdrew from talks with the US and South Korea after Kim's high-stakes diplomatic initiative with US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. In recent weeks, North Korea has stepped up weapons testing, apparently seeking to strengthen its position in potential diplomatic negotiations with the US after Trump expressed a desire to resume talks with Kim.
Kim made an unexpected visit to a Chinese border city via a newly opened bridge on 24 October and pledged to develop bilateral relations. Kim has recently taken steps to strengthen ties with China, North Korea's economic partner, after prioritising relations with Russia for several years. This included sending thousands of troops and munitions, apparently in exchange for economic and military assistance.
Meanwhile, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis arrived in North Korea on Thursday to attend a ceremony marking the reopening of Switzerland's diplomatic mission in Pyongyang and meet North Korean officials. He is due to travel to South Korea on Friday 30 October.
Background: North Korea conducted test launches of two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles off its east coast in mid-October.
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