North Korea Tests AI Suicide Drones Under Kim Jong Un’s Supervision

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised tests of AI-powered suicide drones and an airborne early-warning (AEW) aircraft, state media reported, marking the latest escalation in Pyongyang’s military modernization efforts. The drones, designed for reconnaissance and attack missions, reportedly use unspecified AI capabilities to detect tactical targets on land and sea.

The AEW aircraft, resembling a commercial airliner with radar technology, aims to enhance surveillance in combat zones by mitigating terrain-related limitations. However, South Korean officials questioned its operational effectiveness, noting its bulkiness and potential vulnerability to interception. Analysts suspect Russian involvement in both technologies, with the AEW aircraft possibly modified from a Russian Il-76 cargo plane.

Kim’s inspections coincide with deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. South Korea’s intelligence agency reported that North Korea has dispatched 11,000 troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine, with 4,000 casualties estimated. In return, Russia is believed to have supplied North Korea with anti-aircraft missiles and space technology to bolster its missile programs. A June 2024 mutual defense pact between Kim and Putin further solidifies this alliance.

The tests follow recent North Korean military milestones, including a nuclear-powered submarine under construction and strategic cruise missile launches. South Korea and the U.S. have condemned these developments, particularly amid joint military drills like Freedom Shield 2025, which Pyongyang labels as “rehearsals for nuclear war”.

While North Korea’s AI drones highlight technological progress, experts warn of risks from unverified claims and potential misuse of Russian-supplied systems. The reliance on infantry-centric tactics by North Korean forces in Ukraine—despite their discipline—has led to heavy losses, underscoring gaps in modern warfare integration.