North Korea ‘s leader Kim Jong Un recently oversee a demonstration of new exploding drones. They demonstrated the ability to crash into targets and destroy them. The latest display of military technology underscores Kim’s commitment to improving the readiness and weaponry of his military. State media reported Monday that Kim is pushing for the rapid development of these advanced drones.
Demonstration of drones
The demonstration showed the drones hitting a target resembling South Korea’s K-2 main battle tank. Unlike traditional armed drones, which fire missiles from a distance, these new drones are designed to strike and explode directly on their targets. It marks a significant shift in North Korea’s approach to drone warfare.
The timing of the test is notable as it coincided with large-scale joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. The drills, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, are aimed at improving their joint defense capabilities against North Korea’s growing nuclear threats. The drills, which run through Thursday, are aimed at enhancing combat readiness and reflect lessons learned from recent global conflicts.
In addition to those drills, the United States and South Korea have also launched separate amphibious landing exercises involving dozens of aircraft and warships, including U.S. F-35 fighter jets and the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer. The Ssangyong drills will run through Sept. 7 and are aimed at improving combat interoperability between the two countries’ forces.
North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency reported that the drone tests involved a variety of drones, capable of operating at different ranges and designed to attack targets on both land and sea. Kim Jong Un has stressed the importance of drones in modern warfare and called for speeding up their development, including models for reconnaissance and underwater attacks.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman Lee Jang-hyun said South Korea has systems to detect and intercept such drones. Analysts have noted that the North Korean drones resemble Russian Zala Lancet-3 models. This has led to speculation that Russia may have helped North Korea acquire or improve them.
North Korea and Russia
They have been strengthening their ties amid their respective confrontations with the United States. Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held summits in September last year and June this year. This has led to accusations that North Korea is supplying Russia with munitions in exchange for technology and economic aid.
Kim Jong-un has continued to bolster North Korea’s military capabilities, including the deployment of short-range missiles and artillery systems. He recently showed off 250 nuclear missile launchers and expanded his nuclear program. She has threatened preemptive atomic strikes if North Korea feels threatened.
Analysts suggest that Kim’s recent moves may be aimed at increasing pressure on the US in the election year. By showcasing North Korea’s military prowess, Kim seeks to force Washington to recognize North Korea as a nuclear power and negotiate from a position of strength.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-kim-demonstration-exploding-drones-rcna168153