Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a performance test of new tactical attack drones, highlighting the need for rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and enhancing the operational capabilities of unmanned systems, as reported by state news agency KCNA on Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kim inspected the test at the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology Complex on Thursday, accompanied by senior officials, including Ri Pyong-chol, the party's top military policy adviser. During the inspection, he received briefings on the performance and combat applicability of various unmanned armed equipment, including strategic and tactical unmanned reconnaissance aircraft and multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicles.

KCNA reported that the test "clearly demonstrated the military strategic value and innovative performance of unmanned strategic reconnaissance aircraft, as well as the excellent combat effectiveness of the Venus series of tactical unmanned attack aircraft." The North Korean leader expressed satisfaction with the test results, emphasizing that unmanned technologies are becoming central assets in modern warfare.

Kim Jong Un instructed officials to accelerate AI integration, enhance combat readiness, and expand the mass production capacity of UAVs. Additionally, he approved a plan to restructure and strengthen the UAV Technology Complex to bolster research and development efforts.