Pyongyang, September 19, 2025 – In a bold and strategically significant announcement, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and military drones as top national priorities, signaling a shift in the country’s defense and technological ambitions. Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang, Kim emphasized the critical role of advanced technology in strengthening North Korea’s military capabilities and safeguarding national sovereignty in an increasingly volatile global security environment. The announcement, reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), underscores North Korea’s determination to modernize its arsenal and assert its influence on the global stage, raising concerns among regional and international powers about the potential implications for stability in East Asia.
The move comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea conducting a series of missile tests in recent months and the United States, South Korea, and Japan intensifying their joint military exercises in response. Kim’s focus on AI and drones reflects a broader trend among nations seeking to leverage cutting-edge technologies to gain a strategic edge, but it also highlights the unique challenges and ambitions of a reclusive state operating under heavy international sanctions. This development is likely to reshape the geopolitical landscape, prompting renewed debates about North Korea’s intentions, capabilities, and the global response to its growing technological prowess.
A Strategic Pivot to Advanced Technology
Kim Jong Un’s announcement was made during a closed-door session of the WPK’s Central Military Commission, a body responsible for overseeing North Korea’s defense policies. According to KCNA, Kim described AI and military drones as “game-changing technologies” essential for enhancing the country’s deterrence capabilities and ensuring its security in the face of perceived threats from “hostile forces.” He called for an all-out effort to develop these technologies, urging scientists, engineers, and military officials to prioritize innovation and self-reliance in building a “world-class” defense industry.
“Artificial intelligence and unmanned systems are the future of warfare,” Kim was quoted as saying. “We must harness these technologies to protect our revolution and our people, ensuring that no enemy dares to challenge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.” The statement reflects Kim’s long-standing emphasis on military modernization as a cornerstone of his leadership, a strategy rooted in the Juche ideology of self-reliance and the Songun policy of prioritizing military strength.
North Korea’s interest in AI and drones is not entirely new. Over the past decade, the country has invested heavily in developing its cyber capabilities, conducting high-profile cyberattacks attributed to state-sponsored groups like the Lazarus Group. These operations have targeted financial institutions, government agencies, and critical infrastructure in South Korea, the United States, and other countries, generating significant revenue to circumvent sanctions and fund the regime’s activities. The pivot to AI and drones, however, represents a significant escalation in North Korea’s technological ambitions, signaling an intent to integrate advanced systems into its military doctrine.
Drones, in particular, have emerged as a focal point for North Korea’s defense strategy. Unlike traditional missile systems, which require substantial resources and infrastructure, drones offer a cost-effective and versatile means of conducting reconnaissance, delivering payloads, and projecting power. AI-powered drones, capable of autonomous navigation and decision-making, could enhance North Korea’s ability to monitor its borders, gather intelligence, and potentially conduct asymmetric warfare against adversaries. Kim’s emphasis on these technologies suggests a recognition of their transformative potential, particularly for a resource-constrained nation seeking to compete with technologically advanced rivals.
The Context: North Korea’s Military Modernization
To understand the significance of Kim’s announcement, it is essential to place it within the broader context of North Korea’s military and technological evolution. Since assuming power in 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un has pursued an ambitious agenda to modernize the country’s armed forces while maintaining its nuclear arsenal as a deterrent against external threats. North Korea’s nuclear program, which has produced an estimated 50-70 warheads, remains the cornerstone of its defense strategy, but recent years have seen a diversification of its capabilities, including the development of hypersonic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and advanced cyber warfare tools.
The focus on AI and drones aligns with global trends in military technology. Nations such as the United States, China, Russia, and Israel have invested heavily in unmanned systems and AI, integrating them into everything from surveillance and logistics to precision strikes. For North Korea, adopting these technologies offers a way to level the playing field against adversaries with superior conventional forces. Drones, in particular, could enhance North Korea’s ability to conduct operations in contested environments, such as the heavily militarized Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea.
North Korea’s pursuit of advanced technology is also a response to its strategic environment. The country faces ongoing pressure from international sanctions imposed by the United Nations, the United States, and others in response to its nuclear and missile programs. These sanctions have severely limited North Korea’s access to foreign currency, technology, and resources, forcing the regime to rely on illicit activities, such as cyberattacks and smuggling, to sustain its economy. By prioritizing AI and drones, Kim aims to reduce dependence on external suppliers and build indigenous capabilities that can operate within the constraints of sanctions.
Technical Challenges and Capabilities
While Kim’s announcement signals ambition, North Korea faces significant hurdles in developing AI and military drones. The country’s technological infrastructure is limited, with outdated industrial facilities, restricted access to global markets, and a shortage of skilled personnel. International sanctions have further constrained North Korea’s ability to acquire advanced components, such as microchips, sensors, and software, essential for building sophisticated AI systems and drones.
Despite these challenges, North Korea has demonstrated a remarkable ability to innovate under constraints. The country has developed a range of domestically produced weapons systems, including the Hwasong series of ballistic missiles and the KN-23 short-range missile, which have shown increasing sophistication. North Korean engineers have also reverse-engineered foreign technologies, often acquired through illicit means, to bolster their capabilities. For example, North Korea is believed to have obtained drone technology from countries like China, Russia, and Iran, either through direct purchases or covert exchanges.
In recent years, North Korea has showcased its drone capabilities in military parades and propaganda videos. In 2022, the country unveiled a series of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including small reconnaissance drones and larger models resembling attack drones. While these systems are less advanced than those deployed by major powers, they demonstrate North Korea’s growing interest in unmanned technology. The integration of AI could enhance these platforms, enabling autonomous navigation, target recognition, and coordinated swarm tactics, though achieving such capabilities would require significant investment and expertise.
Cybersecurity experts also note North Korea’s proficiency in AI-related fields, particularly in offensive cyber operations. The country’s elite hacking units have used machine learning techniques to improve the efficiency of phishing campaigns, cryptocurrency theft, and other cyberattacks. This expertise could be adapted to military applications, such as developing AI algorithms for drone operations or electronic warfare. However, scaling these capabilities to meet Kim’s ambitious goals will require overcoming significant technical and logistical barriers.
Geopolitical Implications
Kim Jong Un’s declaration has sent ripples across the international community, raising concerns about the potential destabilizing effects of North Korea’s technological advancements. The United States, South Korea, and Japan, which form the core of the regional security alliance, have already signaled their intent to counter North Korea’s growing capabilities. In a statement on September 19, the U.S. State Department reiterated its commitment to the defense of its allies and called for North Korea to abandon its “provocative” actions and return to diplomatic negotiations.
South Korea, which shares a heavily fortified border with the North, is particularly alarmed by the prospect of AI-powered drones. Seoul has invested heavily in its own drone and anti-drone technologies, including laser-based systems designed to intercept small UAVs. The South Korean Ministry of Defense announced plans to accelerate the deployment of these systems in response to Kim’s announcement, citing the need to maintain a technological edge. Joint military exercises with the United States, which have included simulations of drone warfare, are likely to intensify in the coming months.
Japan, another key U.S. ally, has also expressed concern about North Korea’s ambitions. Tokyo has faced repeated provocations from Pyongyang, including missile launches over Japanese territory. The development of AI and drones could enhance North Korea’s ability to conduct surveillance or even limited strikes against Japanese targets, prompting calls for stronger missile defense systems and closer coordination with the U.S. and South Korea.
China and Russia, North Korea’s traditional allies, have maintained a more restrained response. Both countries have historically provided economic and diplomatic support to Pyongyang, though their influence has waned in recent years. China, in particular, has a complex relationship with North Korea, balancing its desire for regional stability with its strategic rivalry with the United States. Beijing is likely to view North Korea’s technological advancements with a mix of caution and opportunity, as they could complicate U.S. military dominance in the region while also raising the risk of unintended escalation.
The broader international community, including the United Nations, faces a dilemma in responding to North Korea’s actions. Existing sanctions have failed to halt the country’s weapons development, and additional measures are unlikely to have a significant impact given North Korea’s ability to evade restrictions. Diplomatic efforts, such as the stalled Six-Party Talks, have shown little progress, and Kim’s focus on self-reliance suggests a reluctance to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Domestic Context: Rallying the Nation
Kim’s announcement is not only a strategic move but also a domestic one, aimed at consolidating his authority and rallying public support. North Korea’s tightly controlled media portrays Kim as a visionary leader guiding the nation toward prosperity and strength in the face of external threats. By emphasizing cutting-edge technologies like AI and drones, Kim seeks to project an image of modernity and resilience, countering the narrative of North Korea as a backward, isolated state.
The focus on technology also serves to inspire North Korea’s youth, who are increasingly exposed to glimpses of the outside world through smuggled media and illicit internet access. The regime has invested in education programs to train young scientists and engineers, particularly in fields like computer science and robotics. State media frequently highlights the achievements of North Korean students in international competitions, such as coding Olympiads, to foster national pride and encourage loyalty to the regime.
However, the prioritization of military technology comes at a significant cost to North Korea’s economy and its people. The country faces chronic food shortages, with the UN estimating that over 40% of the population is undernourished. Sanctions, combined with natural disasters and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have exacerbated economic hardships, leaving many North Koreans struggling to meet basic needs. The allocation of resources to AI and drone development, while strategically significant, is likely to divert funds from critical areas like agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The Human Dimension: Voices from North Korea
While North Korea’s state-controlled media presents a unified narrative of progress and determination, the reality for ordinary citizens is far more complex. Defectors and underground networks provide rare insights into the challenges faced by North Koreans, many of whom are unaware of the specifics of Kim’s technological ambitions but feel the weight of the regime’s priorities. For the average citizen, survival often takes precedence over grandiose visions of military might.
In rural areas, where access to electricity and modern technology is limited, the concept of AI and drones feels distant and abstract. Farmers and laborers, struggling to meet state-imposed quotas, are more concerned with securing enough food to feed their families. In urban centers like Pyongyang, where the regime’s elite reside, there is greater awareness of technological advancements, but even here, the benefits are unevenly distributed. Only a small, privileged segment of the population has access to computers, the internet, or advanced education, creating a stark divide between the haves and have-nots.
Defectors who have fled to South Korea describe a growing sense of disillusionment among some North Koreans, particularly younger generations. “People hear about these big projects, like missiles or drones, but they don’t see how it helps them,” said Park Ji-hoon, a 29-year-old defector who escaped in 2023. “They want jobs, food, a better life—not more weapons.” Despite this, the regime’s propaganda machine remains effective in maintaining loyalty, portraying external threats as justification for sacrifices at home.
The Global Race for AI and Drones
North Korea’s push into AI and drones must be seen within the context of a global race to dominate these technologies. The United States, China, and Russia are investing billions of dollars in AI-driven military systems, from autonomous vehicles to predictive analytics for battlefield decision-making. Drones have become a staple of modern warfare, as seen in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Yemen, where they have been used for everything from reconnaissance to precision strikes.
For North Korea, the appeal of AI and drones lies in their potential to disrupt the status quo. A single well-designed drone, equipped with AI, could evade traditional air defenses, gather intelligence, or deliver a payload with minimal risk to personnel. The development of drone swarms—large groups of coordinated UAVs—could further enhance North Korea’s asymmetric capabilities, allowing it to challenge adversaries with superior conventional forces.
However, the gap between North Korea and global leaders in AI and drone technology remains wide. The United States, for example, has deployed advanced systems like the MQ-9 Reaper and is developing next-generation platforms with AI-driven autonomy. China has emerged as a major exporter of military drones, with systems like the Wing Loong series gaining traction in global markets. North Korea’s ability to close this gap will depend on its capacity to innovate, secure resources, and potentially collaborate with sympathetic states.
Potential Risks and Scenarios
The development of AI and military drones by North Korea raises several risks for regional and global security. One immediate concern is the potential for miscalculation or escalation. A North Korean drone incursion into South Korean or Japanese airspace, whether intentional or accidental, could trigger a military response, leading to a broader conflict. The use of AI in drones also introduces the risk of unintended consequences, as autonomous systems may make unpredictable decisions in complex environments.
Another concern is the proliferation of North Korean drone technology to other actors. The regime has a history of exporting weapons to countries and non-state groups, including Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah. The transfer of AI-enabled drones could destabilize other regions, enabling asymmetric attacks or espionage by proxy actors.
Cybersecurity is another critical issue. North Korea’s growing expertise in AI could enhance its ability to conduct cyberattacks, targeting critical infrastructure, financial systems, or military networks. The integration of AI into drones also raises questions about vulnerabilities to hacking or electronic warfare, which could be exploited by adversaries to neutralize or repurpose North Korean systems.
The Path Forward: Diplomacy and Containment
Addressing the challenges posed by North Korea’s AI and drone ambitions will require a multifaceted approach. Diplomacy remains the most viable path to de-escalation, though past efforts have yielded limited results. The Biden administration has expressed willingness to engage with North Korea without preconditions, but Pyongyang’s focus on self-reliance and military strength suggests a reluctance to compromise.
Sanctions, while a key tool for the international community, have had mixed success. While they have constrained North Korea’s economy, they have not halted its weapons programs, as the regime has found ways to evade restrictions through illicit trade and cyberattacks. Strengthening sanctions enforcement, particularly targeting North Korea’s access to technology and resources, could slow its progress, but it is unlikely to deter Kim’s ambitions entirely.
Military deterrence will also play a role. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan are likely to accelerate their own investments in counter-drone technologies, including electronic jamming systems and advanced air defenses. Joint exercises and intelligence-sharing will be critical to monitoring and responding to North Korea’s activities.
At the same time, addressing the root causes of North Korea’s behavior—its sense of insecurity and isolation—could open the door to longer-term solutions. Confidence-building measures, such as humanitarian aid or limited economic engagement, could create space for dialogue, though such efforts would require careful coordination to avoid legitimizing the regime’s actions.
Conclusion
Kim Jong Un’s declaration of AI and military drone development as top priorities marks a significant moment in North Korea’s strategic evolution. By embracing these technologies, the regime seeks to bolster its defense capabilities, assert its relevance on the global stage, and navigate the constraints of international sanctions. However, the path to achieving these ambitions is fraught with technical, economic, and geopolitical challenges.
For the international community, North Korea’s move raises urgent questions about how to respond to a reclusive state with growing technological prowess. Balancing deterrence, diplomacy, and containment will be critical to preventing escalation and fostering stability in East Asia. For the people of North Korea, the focus on military technology comes at a steep cost, diverting resources from pressing domestic needs and reinforcing the regime’s grip on power.
As the world watches North Korea’s next steps, the stakes could not be higher. The development of AI and drones may reshape the strategic calculus on the Korean Peninsula, with implications that reverberate far beyond its borders. The challenge now is to navigate this new reality with caution, foresight, and a commitment to peace.
