North Korea Launches Unidentified Ballistic Missile, Kim Jong-un Pushes for Development of ‘Suicide Drones’

North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea on Thursday, according to South Korea’s military, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. No additional details were provided, with South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff stating that an analysis of the incident is ongoing. This follows a previous missile launch by Pyongyang on July 1.

Amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pushed for the development and production of more “suicide drones” to bolster war readiness. On August 24, Kim oversaw a drone performance test, according to Yonhap, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The test, organized by the Drone Institute of the Academy of Defence Sciences, demonstrated drones flying along pre-set routes and successfully destroying designated targets.

These drones are capable of targeting enemies on land, in the air, and at sea. Kim emphasized the need for more suicide drones for use in tactical infantry, special operations, and strategic reconnaissance, alongside multi-purpose attack drones. He also highlighted the importance of integrating artificial intelligence technology into drone development. For the first time, North Korea revealed photos of the drones, showing two white suicide drones striking and destroying mock targets resembling K-2 tanks.