North Korea conducts ‘suicide drones’ test, Kim Jong un calls for war preparedness – Times of India

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a demonstration of new “suicide drones” and vowed to accelerate the development of these weapons to enhance his military’s war readiness, according to state media on Monday.
This event took place while US and South Korean forces are conducting joint exercises aimed at bolstering their defence capabilities against North Korean threats.
The demonstration, which occurred on Saturday, featured drones allegedly capable of destroying targets like South Korea‘s K-2 main battle tank.
State media released photos showing a white drone with X-shaped wings hitting its mark. Unlike traditional combat drones that utilise missiles from a distance, these drones are designed to crash directly into targets.

North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the test included various types of drones designed for both land and sea targets, demonstrating their precision by accurately striking test targets after navigating different flight paths.
“Kim said that global trends in military technologies and modern combat show the importance of drones in war and that the North’s military should be equipped with advanced drones ‘as early as possible.'”
The North Korean leader emphasised accelerating the development and production of a range of drone systems, including exploding drones for infantry and special operations, reconnaissance drones, multi-purpose attack drones, and underwater suicide attack drones.
This ongoing and simultaneous drills of US and South Korean forces are scheduled to run through Thursday. These drills are intended to improve the allies’ readiness against various threats from North Korea and incorporate lessons from recent armed conflicts.
Animosity between North and South Korea is escalating as Kim Jong Un continues to fortify his nuclear-armed military and issue threats aimed at Washington and Seoul. With Russia’s conflict in Ukraine diverting some international attention, Kim is focusing on strengthening his war capabilities.
While global attention often centers on North Korea’s long-range missiles intended to reach the US mainland, Kim is also expanding an arsenal aimed at South Korea. This includes short-range missiles and artillery systems that North Korea claims are nuclear-capable.
Earlier this month, a significant event took place in Pyongyang where Kim showcased the delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline units. During this event, he reiterated the need for an ongoing expansion of North Korea’s nuclear program.
The event has heightened concerns about North Korea’s intentions on the Korean Peninsula. Kim has indicated an aggressive stance with the potential deployment of battlefield nuclear weapons near the South Korean border. He has suggested that North Korea might execute preemptive nuclear strikes if its leadership feels threatened.
Analysts believe that Kim may be leveraging the current US election year to increase pressure, aiming to force Washington into accepting North Korea as a nuclear power. His long-term goal appears to be negotiating from a position of strength to obtain economic and security concessions.