World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
Kim Jong Un calls for rapid expansion of North Korea’s drone technology
Kim Jong Un called for North Korea to rapidly expand drone technology during a visit to a weapons exhibition.
He said the country should seek superiority in drone technology, but gave no details about the steps planned.
North Korea later tested drones, missiles and other weapons, state media said.
The tests came a day after South Korea said the North had launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea.
The two Koreas are in a standoff along their heavily fortified border, with tensions heightened by land mine blasts that wounded three South Korean soldiers; Seoul blamed the North, which denies responsibility.
The drone push adds to North Korea’s weapons activity as it seeks to strengthen its position in possible future diplomacy with the United States, after talks broke down in 2019.
Kim said the country should rapidly expand its unmanned technology, but no further plans or timeline were announced.
Kim Jong Un called for North Korea to rapidly expand and strengthen its drone technology, according to state media.
He made the remarks during a visit to an exhibition of attack and other drones on Thursday.
North Korea later tested drones, missiles and other weapons, the report said.
The announcement came amid heightened tensions between North and South Korea.
South Korea had said the previous day that North Korea fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea.
- Who
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
- What
- He called for rapid expansion of North Korea’s drone technology and observed weapons tests.
- When
- Thursday; the report was published on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- At a drone exhibition; its location is not stated.
- Why
- Kim said North Korea needed to achieve superiority in drone technology and strengthen it rapidly.
South Korea
North Korea
Responsibility for border land mine blasts
South Korea
Seoul accused North Korea of burying mines south of the military demarcation line and demanded an apology.
North Korea
Pyongyang denied responsibility and warned of retaliation if provoked.
South Korea’s military said North Korea launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea.
Kim visited an exhibition of drones and called for rapid expansion of drone technology.
North Korea conducted test-launches of drones, missiles and other weapons, according to state media.
- Ballistic missile launches
- About 10 short-range missiles, according to South Korea’s military
- Exhibition
- Attack and other drones
- Weapons tested
- Drones, missiles and weapons from 600 mm-calibre ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers
- Border land mine blasts
- Three South Korean soldiers were wounded
What people are saying
the absolute superiority in the drone technology
rapidly expand and strengthen the unmanned aeronautical technology