Kim Jong Un Calls for Artificial Intelligence and Automation in North Korea’s Weapons Systems
Kim Jong Un Inspects North Korean Weapons Factories
North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong Un visited several major munitions factories from Wednesday through Friday and received detailed briefings about production.
The facilities operate under North Korea’s defense-industrial structure, including enterprises associated with the Second Economic Commission, which oversees important parts of the country’s military production system.
During the inspections, Kim reviewed production performance and discussed efforts to expand manufacturing capacity.
North Korean state media presented the factory visits as part of a broader effort to implement decisions made by the Workers’ Party of Korea and strengthen the country’s defense industry.
The official account said major munitions factories had been increasing production and working toward production objectives associated with the modernization of North Korea’s artillery forces.
The inspections were accompanied by senior North Korean military and political officials, including Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Pak Jong Chon and other officials responsible for military affairs, artillery and defense science.
Images released by North Korean state media showed Kim examining various military production facilities and weapons.
Outside analysts examining the images said the facilities appeared to include production associated with artillery systems, large multiple-launch rocket systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Yonhap reported that Kim appeared to have visited facilities associated with 600mm and 240mm multiple rocket launchers as well as drones, although the exact identities and locations of the factories were not officially disclosed.
The North Korean government frequently uses images of Kim visiting defense factories to demonstrate military production and technological development. However, photographs released by state media do not independently establish the precise operational capabilities, production quantities or technological sophistication of the systems shown.
That distinction is important when evaluating North Korea’s military technology.
North Korea Wants More Artificial Intelligence in Military Systems
One of the most significant elements of Kim Jong Un’s latest instructions was his call for greater integration of artificial intelligence into offensive and defensive weapons systems.
North Korean state media said Kim ordered the country’s defense-industrial enterprises to raise the level of artificial intelligence incorporated into combat weapon systems.
He also called for greater automation of artillery weapons and modernization of technical processes in military factories.
The emphasis on AI is significant because artificial intelligence is increasingly being incorporated into military research and development around the world.
September 20, 2026 | 7:26 pm
