North Korea brings AI to warfare, Kim Jong Un says technology should be ‘top-prioritised in...’

At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in industries from healthcare to finance, North Korea is furthering the technology’s use in the armed forces. Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, has prioritised the development of AI-driven suicide drones, emphasising the critical role of unmanned systems in modern warfare.
Citing state media, news agency Reuters reported that Kim oversaw a test of these AI-equipped drones, underscoring the nation's focus on integrating advanced technology into its military arsenal.
“The field of unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence should be top-prioritized and developed in modernizing the armed forces,” Kim was quoted as saying. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) revealed that Kim inspected newly-developed reconnaissance drones, designed to detect and target enemy activities across land and sea.
The focus on AI-powered suicide drones highlights North Korea’s intent to enhance its offensive capabilities with autonomous weapons systems. The development of such technology raises concerns about the potential for increased lethality and reduced human control in future conflicts.

According to a September report by Forbes, since the start of the conflict in 2022, the Ukrainian government has placed a strong emphasis on technology — especially AI — as a key component of its war strategy.
With a tech sector employing 300,000 people, many startups quickly shifted their focus to developing innovations that could support the war effort, the report said. The government also launched Brave1, a funding platform where companies can pitch defense technology products to investors. Reports indicate that the platform has received thousands of submissions.
The Ukrainian military also showcased an autonomous machine gun that reportedly uses AI to detect and target enemies.
Beyond combat, AI is aiding humanitarian efforts, from tracking infrastructure and supply routes for refugee resettlement to analysing data for landmine clearance in the world’s most heavily mined country. Additionally, AI helps gather evidence of war crimes by linking reports and satellite imagery with social media footage to support future prosecutions.