Kim Jong Un Pushes for Rapid Production of Kamikaze Drones Amid Growing Military Ties with Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has intensified his military ambitions, calling for the mass production of kamikaze drones within the country. According to state news agency KCNA, Kim personally supervised a drone test on Thursday, marking yet another instance this year where he has emphasized the urgency of bolstering North Korea's drone capabilities.
"Full-scale mass production of newly developed military drones must begin as quickly as possible," Kim asserted, highlighting the escalating focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in North Korea's military strategy. In August, he had already made similar demands for the production of additional Shahed-type drones, known for being weapons loaded with explosives targeted at enemy formations.
The Shahed drones have gained notoriety on the battlefield, primarily due to their extensive use in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, where they have been deployed by Russian forces. The increasing connection between North Korea and Russia is multi-faceted, with the United States confirming claims from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that thousands of North Korean soldiers are actively involved in military operations against Ukraine.
Reports from South Korean intelligence services indicate that North Korea has dispatched over 10,000 troops to assist Russian efforts in the border region near Kursk, a number echoed by U.S. officials as well. Furthermore, beyond troop contributions, North Korea has reportedly been supplying artillery ammunition to Russia on a large scale, strengthening the military partnership between the two nations.
In recent developments, North Korea and Russia formalized a comprehensive agreement that includes a mutual defense pact, signaling a deepening of their military collaboration. As Kim Jong Un pushes for rapid advancements in drone technology and expands military support for Russia, the implications could significantly alter the dynamics of regional and global security.
The move to mass produce kamikaze drones reflects North Korea's ongoing attempts to modernize its military capabilities while forging stronger alliances, particularly in the wake of its actions on the international stage. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, Kim's aggressive posture raises concerns about the potential consequences for stability in the region.
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