North Korea’s Kim Jong Un oversees drone testing, KCNA says

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the testing of advanced unmanned drones on September 18, 2025, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The tests, conducted at an undisclosed location, focused on enhancing the capabilities of these drones through artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Kim expressed satisfaction with the performance of the ‘Kumsong’ tactical unmanned attack aircraft and an unmanned strategic reconnaissance aircraft, approving plans to further strengthen their operational effectiveness. This marks a continuation of North Korea’s efforts to integrate AI into its military technology, following a similar test of suicide drones equipped with AI in March 2025. In addition to the drone tests, Kim inspected the construction of a large greenhouse farm in Sinuiju, a city bordering China, highlighting the regime’s dual focus on military and agricultural advancements. The developments underscore North Korea’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to bolster its defense capabilities and self-sufficiency.