North Korea has unveiled an aircraft believed to be an early warning and control plane for the first time. Country leader Kim Jong-Un, who oversees the performance of the latest technology weapons including AI-powered suicide drones, has ordered the country’s military to be modernized with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and artificial intelligence technologies. Despite the ongoing attention on North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear weapons program, a significant move has been made.
According to a statement in the official North Korean media, country leader Kim Jong-Un received information from officials about the latest weapon systems developed by defense industry organizations. Kim took a flight on an aircraft believed to be an early warning and control plane, the photos of which were released for the first time, and also took part in the test of AI-supported suicide drones. Kim also examined the new type of strategic reconnaissance UAV.
During his speech, Kim ordered for the military to be modernized with unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence technologies, stating that “Encouraging the rapid and long-term development of these technologies is important in accordance with the requirements of modern warfare.” Kim also expressed satisfaction with the start of production of new signal jamming and attack systems, stating that “Our specially developed vehicles with current technology will play a significant role in monitoring potential threats and gathering crucial intelligence information. These vehicles will also contribute to enhancing our ability to neutralize enemy targets.”
North Korea’s latest move coming immediately after the 11-day joint Freedom Shield Exercise conducted by the U.S. and South Korea in the region has been interpreted as a warning to the Washington-Seoul alliance.