Pyongyang: North Korea on Thursday unveiled what appears to be an airborne early warning and control aircraft for the first time, while leader Kim Jong-un supervised the testing of "suicide attack drones" equipped with artificial intelligence technology.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released photos of the aircraft and reported that Kim oversaw the performance tests of these AI-enhanced drones along with a reconnaissance drone earlier this week. Kim was seen guiding defense science research projects at the Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Complex and the detective electronic warfare research group.
The photos depict Kim inside an aircraft resembling the Peace Eye, used by South Korea's Air Force, highlighting its role as an airborne early warning system tasked with detecting aircraft and vessels. The KCNA also shared images of the successful suicide drone tests, which included the AI-powered drones targeting and hitting ground installations, such as a tank.
Kim evaluated the military effectiveness and strategic value of these advanced drones, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing unmanned equipment and AI development to align with modern warfare trends. The report noted the successful demonstration of the drones' striking capabilities for tactical missions.
The surveillance aircraft shown in the photos is believed to be a modified Russian Ilyushin Il-76, equipped with a radome for radar protection. Despite the KCNA's decision not to reference the aircraft in written reports, it is suggested that the technology was acquired with foreign assistance rather than developed domestically.
South Korea's military has called for further analysis of the aircraft's capabilities. Col. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, remarked on the aircraft's vulnerability to interception due to its bulkiness, and indicated a likely connection to Russian technology in its internal components.
North Korea's efforts to improve its reconnaissance capabilities are part of its broader strategy to bridge the gap with South Korea and the United States. Kim's focus on drone technology, particularly in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict where drones are pivotal, underscores this strategic shift.
KCNA also reported Kim's satisfaction with the production of new electronic jamming and attack systems, indicating progress in modernizing the military. Kim outlined directions for accelerating the development and production of unmanned weapons, although specific details were not provided.