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North Korea Tests “Kumson” Tactical Drones Under Kim Jong Un’s Command
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![Photo of Maryna Kulakova]( "Photo of Maryna Kulakova")
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the first-ever test of the “Kumson” series tactical strike drones, according to North Korea’s state media, KCNA, on September 19.
Kim emphasized that advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and operational drone capabilities should be a top priority in modernizing the country’s military. He urged for accelerated development of AI technologies and the expansion of serial production capabilities.
“Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction over the result of the test. He said that as he already stressed, the reality, in which the utility range of unmanned equipment is being further expanded in modern warfare and unmanned equipment emerges as a major military activity asset, raises it as a top-priority and important task in modernizing the armed forces of the DPRK to put on a highly-developed basis the core technology of unmanned equipment and the artificial intelligence and operational ability of the unmanned weapons and equipment systems,” KCNA wrote.
Earlier this year, in March, North Korea tested attack drones equipped with AI. The country has increasingly focused on drone technology following its military support for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
Since October 2024, North Korea has sent about 13,000 troops and conventional weapons to support Russia’s war effort. South Korea’s intelligence service has estimated that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers sent to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine have been killed.
Previously, it was reported that South Korea is investigating claims that Russia may have supplied North Korea with nuclear submarine reactor modules, a potential breakthrough in Pyongyang’s pursuit of a nuclear-powered navy, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on September 18.
