North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised a performance test of new tactical attack drones and unmanned aerial vehicles at the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology Complex, expressing satisfaction with their "excellent combat effectiveness" and directing accelerated artificial intelligence (AI) advancements to elevate unmanned systems as core modern warfare assets.

Accompanied by senior officials including military policy adviser Ri Pyong-chol, Kim inspected demonstrations of the "Kumsong" series tactical unmanned attack aircraft and strategic reconnaissance drones, which state media KCNA described as showcasing "innovative performance" and "military strategic value."

The tests highlighted capabilities in target destruction, reconnaissance, and multi-purpose operations, with footage depicting drones launching and striking mock targets. "The test clearly demonstrated the military strategic value and innovative performance of unmanned strategic reconnaissance aircraft, as well as the excellent combat effectiveness of the Venus series of tactical unmanned attack aircraft,".

Kim, emphasizing drones' centrality in contemporary conflicts, instructed officials to prioritize AI fusion for enhanced autonomy, accuracy, and mass production. He approved restructuring the complex to ramp up research and development, underscoring unmanned tech's role in bolstering the Korean People's Army.

This follows a March 2025 test of AI-equipped "suicide attack drones," where Kim called unmanned control and AI "top priorities" in arms modernization.

Analysts link Pyongyang's surge—unveiling first attack drones in 2024—to Russian assistance amid deepening ties, including troop deployments to Ukraine. Experts like Hong Min of Seoul's Korea Institute for National Unification warn of low-cost, high-lethality threats: autonomous execution, precision strikes, and scalability.