North Korea: Kim orders rapid drone expansion after weapons tests

Kim Jong Un visited a drone exhibition in North Korea on Thursday and ordered a rapid expansion of the country's unmanned aerial vehicle technology, state media reported on Friday. During the visit, the leader declared a need to achieve absolute superiority in the drone sector and announced measures to rapidly strengthen the nation's unmanned aviation capabilities.

North Korean state television showed Kim observing various attack and utility drones displayed at the event. The Central News Agency noted that the country conducted test launches of drones, missiles, and weapons from multiple rocket launchers to commemorate the exhibition. South Korean officials confirmed that the military detected approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles launched from the eastern coast on Thursday. These were the first ballistic missile tests by North Korea in 17 days.

South Korea's Ministry of Unification stated that this is the first time Pyongyang has held an exhibition dedicated exclusively to drone technology. The ministry said it is monitoring North Korean movements closely. Experts suggest that North Korean troops deployed to Russia to support the war against Ukraine have gained valuable combat experience with drones from Russian forces.

Tensions between the two Koreas remain high following last month's landmine explosions along the border, which injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused Pyongyang of planting mines south of the military demarcation line and demanded an apology, while North Korea denied responsibility and warned of retaliation if provoked. Last week, North Korea threatened to resume loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts and deploy new weapon systems along the border.

On Friday, the North Korean Defense Ministry criticized the ongoing Freedom Flag exercise, a joint two-week air drill between the United States and South Korea. North Korea called the maneuver provocative and said it increased the danger of armed conflict. The South Korean military said the exercise, which involves fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, will continue until November 6.

North Korea withdrew from negotiations with the United States and South Korea after diplomatic talks with President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. In recent weeks, the country has intensified weapons testing activities, likely to improve its negotiating position for potential future diplomacy with Washington. Kim recently visited a border city near China and pledged to develop bilateral ties, shifting focus from his previous emphasis on strengthening relations with Russia.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis arrived in North Korea on Thursday to reopen the Swiss diplomatic office in Pyongyang and meet with North Korean officials. He continued his trip to South Korea on Friday.