North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered to prioritize “mass production” of explosive drones, when attending, on Thursday, November 14, a test run of this type of device in a factory, according to official media.
“He emphasized the need to build a mass production system as soon as possible and move to mass production” of explosive drones, the North Korean news agency KCNA reported.
These types of devices are explosive-carrying drones designed to deliberately crash into enemy targets, acting as guided missiles. Pyongyang first unveiled its explosive drones in August, and experts said they could be part of a strengthening of the country’s alliance with Russia.
During Thursday’s test, the drones reached “precisely” targets after following predetermined trajectories, KCNA reported. “Suicide attack drones used at different attack distances have the mission of precisely attacking all enemy targets on land and sea”the agency said.
Relatively low production cost.
Kim said drones were a “easy to use item” due to its relatively low production cost and wide range of applications, according to KCNA. He argued that North Korea had “recently given importance” to the development of unmanned equipment systems and their integration into the country’s general military strategy.
Experts say the drones, images of which were published by state media in August, resemble the Russian-made Lancet-3, as well as the Israeli-made Harop suicide drone and the Israeli-made Hero-30.
North Korea may have acquired these technologies from Russia, which in turn likely obtained them from Iran, and Tehran itself is suspected of gaining access to them by hacking or stealing them from Israel.
This announcement comes at a time of tension between South Korea and North Korea, which recently fired a missile considered the most advanced in its arsenal and is accused of sending thousands of soldiers to help Russia in its war against Ukraine.
