SEOUL, November 15 — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the commencement of mass production of attack drones, a move that has heightened concerns about the nation’s military advancements and its strategic partnership with Russia, according to state media reports.
Recent Developments:
- Drone Capability Unveiled: North Korea first showcased its attack drones in August, with speculation that the technology might have roots in its burgeoning relationship with Russia.
- Military Cooperation: The country ratified a significant defense agreement with Moscow, and there are allegations of North Korean troops aiding Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to fears over the exchange of sensitive military technology.
Drone Testing and Production:
- Kim Jong Un personally supervised drone tests on Thursday, where these drones, crafted by the Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex, demonstrated their ability to strike both terrestrial and maritime targets. “He underscored the need to build a serial production system as early as possible and go into full-scale mass production,” as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
- Functionality: These drones, described as suicide drones, are equipped to carry explosives and are designed to crash into targets, serving as low-cost, precision-guided munitions.
Strategic Implications:
- Military Strategy: Kim emphasized the drones’ affordability and versatility, suggesting a shift in North Korea’s military strategy towards incorporating advanced unmanned systems.
- Potential Tech Transfer: The drones’ design bears resemblance to models from Israel and Russia, hinting at possible technology transfers. There’s speculation that this technology might have been indirectly acquired through Russia from Iran or via cyber means from Israel.
Regional Tensions:
- Cross-Border Incidents: Previously, in 2022, North Korean drones infiltrated South Korean airspace, evading detection due to their small size. This year, North Korea retaliated against South Korean activists by sending trash-laden balloons across the border.
- Propaganda War: There are suggestions that these drones could be used to distribute propaganda, mirroring past actions with balloons.
- South Korean Response: South Korea has responded by establishing a drone operation command to counter such threats, reflecting the escalating drone warfare in the region.
Political Context:
- Constitutional Changes: North Korea recently redefined South Korea as a “hostile” state in its constitution, underscoring the worsening relations since Kim declared South Korea his country’s main adversary earlier in the year.
- Continued Provocations: Despite international sanctions, North Korea persists with its ballistic missile tests and has even destroyed infrastructure connecting it with the South.
This move towards drone warfare, alongside North Korea’s military maneuvers, signals a new phase in the region’s security dynamics, with implications for both regional stability and international non-proliferation efforts.
