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North Korea Mass Produces Kamikaze Drones to Sustain Russia’s Full-Scale Strikes in Ukraine.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the mass production of kamikaze drones, marking the country’s growing investment in unmanned aerial technologies as military cooperation with Russia intensifies. This decision, announced by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on November 14, 2024, underscores Pyongyang’s ambition to enhance its combat drone capabilities while compensating for weaknesses in the Russian defense industry.
North Korea tests Home-made Loitering Munitions (Picture source: North Korea MoD)
The directive to scale up production follows successful tests of these systems conducted in recent months of 2024, demonstrating their effectiveness. Designed to carry explosives and crash into land or maritime targets, these drones underwent extensive trials in late summer and early autumn, according to KCNA reports. During a strategic meeting in October 2024, Kim Jong Un emphasized the urgency of establishing a dedicated production line, describing these drones as cost-effective and versatile tools to boost North Korea’s strike power. The tests, finalized in early November 2024, showcased the drones' ability to “precisely strike” targets, highlighting their operational potential in modern warfare and justifying the push for mass production.
North Korea’s investment in drone technologies is part of a broader strategy to integrate advanced unmanned systems into its military arsenal. The North Korean leader underscored the importance of these drones in expanding the country’s tactical options, calling them a “user-friendly” solution for various military scenarios. This initiative reflects North Korea’s awareness of the transformative impact of drones in recent conflicts, particularly in the war in Ukraine, where such systems have been employed with notable effectiveness.
North Korean drone models bear striking similarities to existing systems such as Israel’s HAROP, Russia’s Lancet-3, and Israel’s HERO 30. Analysts suggest that North Korea may have acquired these designs through its alliance with Russia, which in turn may have sourced them from Iran, possibly through cyber espionage or illicit transfers from Israel. This technological origin raises concerns about the proliferation of advanced unmanned systems and their implications for regional and global security.
Kim Jong Un’s decision to mass-produce kamikaze drones comes amid strengthening military ties between North Korea and Russia. This partnership has been cemented through the ratification of a mutual defense pact and the alleged deployment of thousands of North Korean troops to Russia to support its operations in Ukraine. This deepened collaboration suggests that Pyongyang’s drone production may aim to supply Moscow with additional military equipment to offset losses on the Ukrainian front and alleviate the strain on Russian production lines.
Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, have played a significant role in recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where their effectiveness has been well-documented. By mass-producing these drones, North Korea could not only bolster its own military capabilities but also provide Russia with additional weaponry for its operations in Ukraine. This strategy would allow Moscow to diversify its sources of arms supply, particularly in the face of international sanctions that limit its production and import capacity for military equipment.
North Korea’s initiative to mass-produce drones signals a shift in its military priorities, with unmanned aerial systems playing an increasingly central role. Highlighting their low production costs and adaptability, Kim Jong Un appears to position these drones as a cornerstone of the country’s defense strategy. Their potential integration with other military assets could significantly enhance North Korea’s offensive and defensive capabilities.