Kim Jong-un Expands North Korea’s Military with AI and Drones

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has intensified his focus on artificial intelligence and advanced military technology, overseeing the testing of a range of weaponry, including drones designed for military attacks. State media KCNA reported that Kim supervised the latest trials at an undisclosed drone research facility, highlighting his call for increased utilization of AI to enhance operational capabilities.

Photographs released by KCNA revealed Kim observing a flight of a drone resembling the U.S. Reaper drone. This emphasis on drone technology, along with naval assets and surveillance satellites, marks a shift in Kim’s strategy, moving towards expanding conventional military capabilities after years of prioritizing nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development.

Advancements in Underwater Drone Technology

Recent developments include the trial of nuclear-armed underwater drones by North Korea’s East Sea Fleet. Kim Jong-un has insisted that the military explore the potential of these drones, known as the Haeil, which are intended to execute covert attacks on enemy vessels and ports. According to a military insider speaking to Daily NK, a government agency has directed the military to prepare the Haeil for deployment.

The Haeil is described as a large torpedo-type drone, measuring approximately 13 meters in length and 1.5 meters in diameter. It is designed to carry a nuclear warhead, although the specifics of its combat capabilities remain under review during testing. North Korea has conducted multiple tests of the Haeil since 2023, with the regime claiming it can generate a “radioactive tsunami” through underwater explosions.

While the effectiveness of the Haeil in actual combat scenarios is uncertain, military authorities consider it a strategic asset, capable of infiltrating enemy defenses for nuclear retaliation. The potential for a weapon capable of detonating underwater has raised morale within the military, fostering a sense of confidence regarding naval power.

Concerns Over Military Expansion

In addition to drone advancements, North Korea is reportedly constructing its largest warship to date. Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies has suggested that this vessel may represent a significant leap in the technology and capabilities of the North Korean fleet. This development has raised alarms regarding the expansion and enhancement of North Korea’s offensive military capabilities.

Further complicating the situation, a secret military base has been identified on North Korea’s border with China, located in North Pyongan Province, approximately 17 miles from the Chinese border. This base is believed to potentially house advanced missile systems, contributing to international concerns about the region’s stability.

As North Korea continues to test and develop its military technologies, the implications for regional security remain significant. The focus on AI and drone technology, coupled with advancements in naval capabilities, underscores Kim Jong-un’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s military prowess in an increasingly complex global landscape.