North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared artificial intelligence (AI) development a “top priority” for his country’s military modernisation, particularly in enhancing drone technology, state media reported.
During a visit to the Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Complex in Pyongyang on Thursday, Kim inspected performance tests of multipurpose drones and unmanned surveillance vehicles. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said he stressed the importance of “rapidly developing newly-introduced AI technology” to boost unmanned weapons systems. He also urged officials to expand drone production capacity.
The visit came shortly after Kim oversaw a test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine designed for intercontinental ballistic missiles, which he praised as a significant step in strengthening Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrent.
North Korea’s military power includes nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, a growing nuclear arsenal, and a spy satellite programme, according to the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The country maintains roughly one million active-duty personnel and more than seven million reservists out of a population of 25.6 million.
Independent analysis group 38 North recently reported that North Korea has pursued cross-border AI research with academics in the U.S., China, and South Korea, despite heavy sanctions. Much of its progress in AI has relied on collaboration with China, one of the world’s leaders in the field.
While Pyongyang has long depended on Beijing, it has also sought closer ties with Russia. Last year, Kim signed a mutual defence treaty with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, analysts suggest the partnership has been uneven, with North Korea supplying weapons and troops to Moscow’s war in Ukraine, but receiving only limited aid in return, mostly food, fuel, air defence systems, and possibly fighter jets.
Earlier this month, Kim appeared alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in Beijing, highlighting his ambition to elevate North Korea’s international profile.
In May, the DIA concluded that North Korea is in its strongest strategic position in decades, capable of threatening U.S. forces and allies in Asia while expanding its ability to reach the U.S. mainland. Kim, meanwhile, has denounced U.S.-South Korea military drills as “a rehearsal for war.”
Africa Digital News, New York
