North Korea Tests 'Suicide Drones,' Kim Jong Un Orders Mass Production

Varahi media.com online news,November 15,2024: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen the testing of “suicide attack” drones, urging for immediate full-scale mass production, as reported by state media on Friday.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim stated that these drones, also known as loitering munitions, have become “an essential requirement in the military field today,” as per a report from Yonhap. He noted, “The global race to employ drones as a primary means of military power is accelerating.”

Kim provided on-site guidance during the testing of various types of suicide attack drones, developed by the Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex and related companies, according to KCNA. The report included images of Kim consulting with officials alongside at least two types of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The KCNA report highlighted that these “suicide attack drones,” intended for use across varying striking ranges, are designed to “accurately target any enemy forces on land or sea.” The tests reportedly demonstrated the drones’ ability to precisely strike targets by following predetermined tactical routes.

North Korea first disclosed a performance test of these suicide drones in August, which was also personally supervised by Kim.

This development follows recent joint military exercises by the United States, South Korea, and Japan in international waters near North Korea, which included participation from ships and aircraft. The US Indo-Pacific Command stated on Tuesday that these exercises, named ‘Freedom Edge,’ reflect a shared commitment to trilateral defense cooperation and a dedication to ensuring freedom, peace, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Korean Peninsula.

In a related development, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed a law ratifying a strategic partnership treaty with North Korea, committing both countries to mutual military assistance in the event of an attack on either nation.