North Korea tests attack drones as Kim calls for superiority in drone technology
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a weapons demonstration featuring attack drones, missiles and a multiple rocket launcher, state media said. It came a day after Seoul reported about a dozen short-range ballistic missiles fired by the North.
North Korea has test-fired attack drones, missiles and a multiple rocket launcher during a weapons demonstration, state news agency KCNA reported on Friday. Leader Kim Jong Un used the event to call for faster development of drone and artificial intelligence technology for military use. The test comes amid heightened tensions with South Korea, with which the North remains technically at war.
According to KCNA, Kim said the aim of seizing absolute superiority in drone technology was an indispensable option given the changing patterns of modern warfare. He added that strength means peace and that peace is guaranteed only by strength.
The demonstration featured suicide attack drones, multipurpose drones firing air-to-surface missiles, cruise missiles and 600mm multiple rocket launchers. KCNA said the drones and cruise missiles hit an island target with 100 per cent accuracy. It was not immediately clear whether missile launches detected the previous day were linked to the event.
Missile launches a day earlier
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Thursday that around a dozen short-range ballistic missiles were fired from the Wonsan area towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. The missiles flew about 250 kilometres. Seoul and Washington are analysing their specifications, and South Korea has stepped up surveillance. Seoul's National Security Office said the launches violated UN Security Council resolutions.
Background of tensions
Tensions have grown after a landmine explosion along the heavily fortified border wounded three South Korean soldiers. A joint Seoul-UN investigation concluded that North Korea planted the mines over a year ago. Seoul demanded an apology, which Pyongyang has dismissed.
Last week Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader's sister, said loudspeakers would be placed on standby along the border within days. South Korea proposed military talks but has had no reply. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's overtures to Pyongyang have raised concerns that Seoul could be sidelined in possible nuclear talks.
