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Kim Jong Un unveils drones and modern missiles in Pyongyang amid tensions with South Korea

Riana Gegiu

30 October 2026, 10:52

International

Foto: Shutterstock.com

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased tactical drones, cruise missiles and multiple rocket launchers at an arms exhibition held in Pyongyang. The demonstration, reported by state media on Friday, took place on Thursday amid escalating military tensions along the border with South Korea.

The weapons on display included tactical suicide drones, multifunctional drones, tactical cruise missiles and 600-millimeter multiple rocket launchers. According to North Korea’s official news agency, the exhibition highlighted the regime’s efforts to modernize its military through the use of drones and artificial intelligence.

Kim Jong Un said that achieving superiority in drone technology represents “an indispensable option” amid the changing nature of modern warfare. Pyongyang claims it ordered the mass production of suicide attack drones in November 2024, after which it tested versions equipped with artificial intelligence in March 2025. In September 2025, the North Korean leader called artificial intelligence an absolute priority for weapons modernization.

The demonstration comes as North Korea maintains artillery aimed at Seoul, while South Korea accuses Pyongyang of launching approximately ten short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea. Relations between the two countries have also deteriorated following explosions involving land mines at the border, which injured three South Korean soldiers. Pyongyang denied responsibility and warned of retaliation in the event of provocations.

Context: ahead of the arms exhibition, Pyongyang was stepping up testing and modernization for hi-tech warfare

Before the demonstration in Pyongyang, North Korea announced the testing of the “Zam-2.0” precision torpedo, a new system that uses artificial intelligence to detect and track targets. Pyongyang claimed that the technology enables evasive maneuvers, autonomous decisions, and the differentiation of real vessels from decoys, and that development was accelerated through “more than 180” series of tests over the past five years.

Also during the preceding period, North Korea put a second destroyer into service and called for the consolidation of a “more reliable” nuclear deterrent force, amid the trilateral US–South Korea–Japan military exercise. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un presented a Hwasong-20 missile at a museum in Pyongyang, claiming that it could reach the United States, while state media placed the events against the backdrop of speculation about a possible discussion with Donald Trump.