AI Drones and 'Sniper' Rockets: Kim Jong-un Demands Absolute Military Superiority
Kim Jong-un demands absolute superiority in drone tech as North Korea debuts the 600-mm Sniper rocket launcher and AI-powered weapons.
In a bold display of military evolution, North Korea has unveiled a new arsenal of North Korea AI drones and high-caliber weaponry. During a recent exhibition on unmanned aeronautical technology, leader Kim Jong-un witnessed the first public demonstration of the 600-millimetre "Sniper" multiple rocket launcher, signaling a strategic shift toward integrating artificial intelligence into the nation's defense capabilities.
A New Era of Unmanned Warfare
The event, reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), was not merely a parade but a rigorous test of precision. The exhibition featured a diverse array of combat systems designed to modernize the North Korean military. Among the highlights were:
- Tactical Suicide Attack Drones: These "kamikaze" drones were seen striking mock targets, including what appeared to be US M1 Abrams tanks and South Korean front-line guard posts.
- Multi-purpose Drones: These platforms demonstrated the ability to launch air-to-surface missiles.
- Tactical Cruise Missiles: Along with the drones, these missiles were used to hit islet targets with what KCNA claimed was "100 per cent accuracy."
The Debut of the 'Sniper'
The star of the demonstration was the 600-mm multiple rocket launcher, aptly named "Sniper." For the first time, this massive system was shown to the public, with photographs revealing more than ten launchers firing simultaneously. According to the state media, the combat reliability and effectiveness of the "Sniper" and other major weapon systems were successfully verified during the exercise.
Kim Jong-un's Vision: Strength Equals Peace
Accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and his daughter, Ju-ae, Kim Jong-un used the occasion to set a clear directive for his scientists. He called for the rapid expansion of unmanned aeronautical capabilities, stressing the need to establish "absolute superiority" in drone technology and AI for national defense.
"Strength precisely means peace and peace is guaranteed only by strength. This is a matter of common sense needed to survive in the present noisy world," Kim stated.
The leader urged his researchers to achieve "miraculous results," comparing the push for AI and drone tech to the country's previous leaps in nuclear weapons and conventional armament.
Ballistic Missile Activity and Regional Tension
While the exhibition took place, the region remained on high alert. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles launched from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea. These missiles traveled roughly 250 kilometres.
Military officials in Seoul suspect these launches involved the KN-25 super-large 600-mm multiple rocket launcher—a system Pyongyang claims can be equipped with Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warheads. This activity marks the 17th ballistic missile launch by North Korea this year, occurring just 17 days after a previous launch on October 12.
Location and Logistics
Although the KCNA did not officially name the site of the exhibition, analysts believe the events occurred at the Wonsan-Kalma Airport, based on the architectural structures visible in the released official photographs. The event was also attended by Pak Jong-chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea.