Kim Jong-un spotlights drones, defense AI in North Korean weapons display

What happened: Kim Jong-un urged scientists to accelerate military AI and unmanned aircraft development as North Korea showcased drones and held demonstrations with cruise missiles and a 600 mm multiple rocket launcher, KCNA reported. Key numbers: Event held Thursday, titled "Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Development-2026." KCNA claimed 100 percent Why it matters: Kim called unmanned systems on a high-level AI basis a top priority for modern armed forces. The exhibition came a day after the NIS assessed Ju-ae is being groomed as his successor through a "military leader" narrative.

Kim Jong-un urged scientists to accelerate military AI and unmanned aircraft development as North Korea showcased drones and held demonstrations with cruise missiles and a 600 mm multiple rocket launcher, KCNA reported.

Kim called unmanned systems on a high-level AI basis a top priority for modern armed forces. The exhibition came a day after the NIS assessed Ju-ae is being groomed as his successor through a "military leader" narrative.