Why North Korea is rushing to join the global AI arms race
North Korea is racing to bring artificial intelligence into its military strategy, with leader Kim Jong Un recently placing drones and unmanned weapons at the “top priority” of his modernisation drive.
State media reported Kim oversaw tests of new combat and reconnaissance drones at the Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Complex in Pyongyang on Thursday. He also inspected weapons and surveillance vehicles.
Kim urged officials to “rapidly develop newly introduced artificial intelligence technology” and to expand serial production capacity for drones, emphasising that North Korea must match the role drones now play in modern conflicts.
The current levels of sophistication of North Korea’s drones remain uncertain, but Kim has repeatedly toured drone facilities and presided over field tests in recent months, showing his intent to make UAVs a key component of his military strategy.
A report from 38 North found Pyongyang had engaged in cross-border AI research with academics in China, South Korea and the U.S., suggesting “substantial efforts” to catch up. Much of this progress appears tied to China, one of the world’s leaders in AI technology.
Kim’s visit to the complex came just a week after he oversaw a test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine for intercontinental ballistic missiles. He hailed that test as a “significant” step in expanding the country’s nuclear strike capabilities.
North Korea has ramped up efforts to modernise its military despite international sanctions. Its programmes now span drones, loitering munitions, missile systems and a nascent spy satellite programme.
Regional tensions have risen as a result. In 2022, South Korea failed to intercept five North Korean drones that crossed the border, including one that flew near the presidential office in Seoul.
Kim later called for mass production of attack drones. He accused Seoul of flying UAVs over Pyongyang, though South Korea has not confirmed this.
North Korea is already heavily militarised, having more than a million active troops and millions more reservists. Kim’s new focus on AI and drones suggests the next stage is to make the country’s weapons smarter, faster and more autonomous.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
