North Korea showcases drones and missiles; Kim wants to accelerate AI weapons development

North Korea tested offensive drones, missiles, and a multiple rocket launcher during a military parade, according to the official North Korean news agency, which reported on Friday that leader Kim Jong Un called for accelerating the development of drones and artificial intelligence to achieve “absolute superiority” in these two military fields.

The tests came a day after Seoul announced that it had detected the launch of about ten short-range ballistic missiles by North Korea toward the Sea of Japan. It remained unclear whether there was a link between the two events.

During the weapons display, the North Korean leader emphasized that “achieving absolute superiority in drone technology is indispensable in light of the changing nature of modern warfare,” according to the agency.

He added, “Strength means precisely peace, and peace can only be guaranteed by strength,” the source said.

The display included explosive offensive drones, multi-purpose drones that launch air-to-ground missiles, cruise missiles, and a 600-millimeter multiple rocket launcher.

According to the agency, the drones and cruise missiles hit a target on an island with pinpoint accuracy.

The display follows a series of weapons tests announced by Pyongyang, including the test of a “new type” of smart torpedo that uses artificial intelligence in guidance and target acquisition systems.

A few days earlier, the North Korean armed forces tested two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles, according to the agency.

In early October, Pyongyang also announced the successful test of a medium-range hypersonic missile that uses artificial intelligence to adjust its trajectory at low altitude.