North Korea Reveals Airborne Early Warning Aircraft and AI-Powered Suicide Drones

North Korea revealed its first airborne early warning and control aircraft and reported that leader Kim Jong-un supervised tests of AI-powered "suicide attack drones" earlier this week.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released photos of the aircraft and stated that Kim oversaw tests of the drones and a reconnaissance drone on Tuesday and Wednesday. Kim guided defense science projects at the Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Complex and electronic warfare research group during the inspections.

The aircraft, similar to South Korea's Peace Eye, appears to be a modified Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter equipped with a radar dome. Such aircraft detect threats using advanced radar systems, providing broad surveillance coverage.

The KCNA also published images of suicide drones successfully hitting targets, including a tank. Kim emphasized the importance of AI and unmanned systems in modern warfare, calling for rapid development in these areas.

Kim expressed satisfaction with the progress in producing new electronic jamming and attack systems, claiming the army modernization plan is progressing as planned. North Korea is focused on enhancing its reconnaissance capabilities, particularly in drones and satellites, areas where it lags behind South Korea and the U.S.

Kim's emphasis on drone technology may also be linked to the Russia-Ukraine war, where drones have played a key role. North Korea is believed to have deployed troops in support of Russia, gaining combat experience with drone technology.