Kim Jong-un Embraces Drone Warfare Lessons from Ukraine Conflict

Kim Jong-un, observing drone warfare in North Korea, recognizes the tactical advantages of utilizing drones, inspired by insights from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has taken significant steps toward embracing drone technology, observing attacks during military exercises that feature drones crashing into vehicles and tanks. Reports from state-run media indicate that Kim has ordered the mass production of such drones, viewing them as a vital component of North Korea’s military modernization agenda.

This move comes as Kim seeks to address the outdated nature of his conventional military assets by incorporating a diverse range of new weaponry that includes nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and hypersonic systems. Military analysts report that one of Kim's primary lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where North Korean forces are reportedly active, is the centrality of drones in contemporary warfare.

For North Korea, which has faced enduring shortages in fuel and parts, the appeal of low-cost drones is particularly significant. During the past few years, Kim has showcased multiple reconnaissance and attack drones in military parades, which experts suggest mirror designs from both Chinese and American drones—though they differ in technology.

In a recent inspection of the Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex, Kim emphasized the rising necessity of drones, citing their effectiveness in various military engagements and noting the advantages of low production costs along with straightforward manufacturing processes. "Drones are becoming an essential requirement," he remarked, reinforcing their growing importance in North Korea's military strategy.