North Korea Unveils Mass Production of Suicide Drones, Mimicking Israeli Tech

North Korea has revealed images of leader Kim Jong Un touring defense industry facilities, showcasing the large-scale production of attack drones. Official state media, KCNA, released footage showing a suicide drone launched from a truck, which bears a resemblance to Israel's Harop drone, according to Ynet.

The facilities displayed at least three types of unmanned aerial vehicles. Alongside the suicide drone, a reconnaissance drone identified as 'Satbyul 4', similar to the American 'Global Hawk', and an attack drone named 'Satbyul 9', resembling the U.S. military's 'Reaper', were also documented.

During his visit, Kim Jong Un ordered an increase in the use of artificial intelligence in weapon systems and called for enhanced automation and defense for the artillery corps. KCNA quoted Kim stating that artillery units must "possess concentrated, destructive, large-scale, and versatile attack power as much as possible, and responsibly fulfill two roles: deterring the enemy and waging war."

The current documentation highlights the acceleration of Pyongyang's military program. Initial tests of similar models were shown in August 2024, and by November, Kim had ordered the mass production of suicide drones, calling them a key component of modern warfare. In 2025, tests of attack drones from the 'Kumsong' family were reported, with Kim declaring that the development of unmanned aerial vehicles and AI were top military priorities.