North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects the headquarters of the North Korean Army’s 2nd Corps on October 17, 2024, in this photo published by the official KCNA news agency. KCNA / VIA REUTERS North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered to give priority to the “mass production” of explosive drones, attending, Thursday, November 14, a performance test of this type of device in a factory, according to official media. “He stressed the need to build a mass production system as soon as possible and move to mass production” of explosive drones, North Korean news agency KCNA reported. These types of devices are explosive-carrying drones designed to deliberately crash into enemy targets, acting like guided missiles. Pyongyang first unveiled its explosive drones in August, with experts saying they could be part of a strengthening of the country’s alliance with Russia. Read also | North Korea ratifies defense treaty with Russia Read later In Thursday’s test, the drones “precisely” hit targets after following predetermined trajectories, KCNA reported. “Suicide attack drones used at different strike ranges have the mission to precisely attack all enemy targets on the ground and at sea,” the agency said. Relatively low production cost Kim said drones were an “easy-to-use item” due to their relatively low production cost and wide range of applications, according to KCNA. He argued that North Korea has “recently attached importance” to the development of unmanned hardware systems and their integration into the country’s overall military strategy. Read also | North Korea claims to have tested a new type of explosive drone Read later Experts have estimated that these drones, images of which were published by state media in August, resemble the Russian-made Lancet-3, as well as to the Israeli-made Harop suicide drone and the Hero-30, also Israeli. North Korea may have acquired these technologies from Russia, which in turn likely obtained them from Iran, with Tehran itself suspected of having gained access to them by hacking or stealing them from Israel. Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers North Korea continues its business of destroying symbols of reunification with the South Read later This announcement comes in a period of tensions between South Korea and North Korea, which recently fired a missile presented as the most advanced in its arsenal and is accused of sending thousands of soldiers to help Russia in its war against Ukraine. Le Monde with AFP Reuse this content
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