Kim Jung Un Orders Rapid AI Development

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into unmanned military systems on October 30, 2026, aiming for dominance in future warfare. The directive came during an inspection of advanced military technology, including attack drones and multiple rocket launchers.

Kim Jong Un emphasized that achieving superiority in drone technology is an "indispensable option" for modern warfare. He specifically called for high-level AI to become a top priority in the development of unmanned weapons systems. The inspection included suicide attack drones, tactical cruise missiles, multipurpose drones, and 600mm multiple rocket launchers.

This push for AI integration follows earlier directives. In November 2024, Kim ordered the mass production of suicide attack drones. By March 2025, he oversaw tests of AI-equipped drones, inspecting reconnaissance and suicide attack models. In September 2025, he declared AI military drone development a "top priority" at the Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Complex.

North Korea's focus on AI in drones appears to draw lessons from recent global conflicts. The ambition is to develop systems capable of independent target identification and faster battlefield decision-making, moving beyond basic remote-controlled aircraft. The actual extent of North Korea's AI capabilities in this domain remains unverified.