Kim Jong Un Pushes for Drone Technology Expansion Amid Rising Tensions

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the rapid expansion and strengthening of the country's drone technology, state media reported Friday. The remarks came during his attendance at what appeared to be North Korea's first exhibition dedicated solely to drone technology.

The exhibition showcased over 30 types of aircraft, including stealth drones and first-person-view attack drones, according to South Korean media. To mark the event, North Korea conducted test-launches of various drones, missiles, and weapons, including those fired from ultraprecision multiple rocket launchers.

Kim stressed the need to achieve "absolute superiority in the drone technology" during a speech at the exhibition. Experts suggest that North Korean troops sent to support Russia's war in Ukraine may have gained valuable experience in drone warfare.

The exhibition and weapons demonstrations occurred amidst heightened tensions between North Korea and South Korea. The South Korean military detected approximately 10 short-range ballistic missile launches off the North's east coast on Thursday, the first such firings in 17 days. These launches followed recent incidents, including land mine explosions at the border that injured South Korean soldiers, an event Seoul attributed to North Korea, which Pyongyang has denied.

North Korea has also threatened to resume propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts and deploy new weapons systems along the border. The North's Defense Ministry criticized ongoing US-South Korea combined aerial exercises as provocative, warning of an increased risk of armed conflict.

These developments come as North Korea's engagement in weapons testing has intensified, potentially to bolster its leverage in future diplomatic negotiations with the United States. Kim Jong Un has also recently focused on strengthening ties with China, while also supplying Russia with military resources, potentially in exchange for economic and military aid.

Meanwhile, Switzerland's Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis arrived in Pyongyang to attend the reopening of Switzerland's diplomatic office and meet with North Korean officials before traveling to South Korea.