Kim Jong-un Visits Suicide Drone Test Site Again After Three Months… Emphasizes “Full-scale Mass Production”

,
,
,

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un guided the performance tests of various suicide attack drones produced by institutes and enterprises under the UAV Technology Consortium on the 14th, as reported by Korean Central News Agency on the 15th. [KCNA·Yonhap News], ‘North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the site of the performance tests of suicide drones and instructed to quickly establish a mass production system. It has been three months since Kim guided tests related to suicide drones in August.’,
,
, ‘On the 15th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim guided the performance tests of various suicide drones produced by institutes and enterprises under the ‘UAV Technology Consortium’. The agency reported that drones used in the test flew along tactically set strike zone routes and precisely hit the targets. Kim emphasized, “Establish the mass production system as soon as possible and commence full-scale production.”’,
,
, ‘According to the report, Kim pointed out that the competition to utilize drones as a major power worldwide is accelerating. He said, “Due to the low production costs and simple production processes, drones can be easily used as a part of strike power in new areas.” He added, “We have the potential and capability to produce and introduce various UAVs,” expressing the prospect of combining and applying new and promising tactical measures to meet the demands of modern warfare.’,
,
, ‘Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, interpreted Kim’s drone-centric policies as encompassing pressure on South Korea and export potential. Professor Yang suggested that North Korea’s drone development aims to overcome its inferiority in this field since the ‘Pyongyang UAV incident’ which North Korea claimed was the work of South Korean military. He also speculated that North Korea might be considering exporting UAVs to conflict regions such as the Middle East.’,
,
,

The ‘Warmate’ suicide drone contracted by the South Korean military from Poland’s WB Electronics. [Maeil Business Newspaper DB], ‘Amid the increased importance of drone operation highlighted by the Ukraine War, North Korea has clarified its direction to enhance related power. Recently, with the establishment of the Drone Operations Command, South Korea is also pushing to expand its forces, indicating the formal onset of ‘drone competition’ between the two Koreas.’,
,
, ‘In this context, the military authorities signed a contract last month to introduce the Polish-made small suicide drone ‘Warmate’, planning to deploy around 200 units within the year. Following North Korea’s airspace violation incidents by UAVs at the end of 2022, the military decided to mass-produce stealth and small drones and is proceeding with related developments.’,
,
, ‘ r_start //’, ‘ r_end //’