Kim Jong Un Calls for Artificial Intelligence and Automation in North Korea’s Weapons Systems
North Korea’s Defense Industry Modernization
Kim Jong Un’s factory visits also highlight a broader objective: modernizing North Korea’s defense industry.
North Korean state media described modernization of technical processes as a major requirement for military factories.
This means the country’s military-industrial strategy is not limited to producing more weapons.
It also includes improving the industrial infrastructure needed to manufacture those weapons.
That can include machinery, production lines, automation, quality-control systems, materials processing, electronics and factory management.
Military modernization therefore has both a weapons dimension and an industrial dimension.
A country may have advanced weapons designs but struggle to produce them efficiently.
Conversely, improvements in manufacturing can make it easier to produce larger quantities of existing systems.
North Korea’s latest policy statements emphasize both sides.
Kim Jong Un and the North Korean Military
Kim Jong Un has repeatedly placed military modernization at the center of North Korea’s national strategy.
His leadership has overseen the development and testing of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, tactical weapons, drones and other military technologies.
The country has also emphasized modernization of conventional forces alongside its nuclear weapons program.
The latest emphasis on artillery and AI demonstrates that conventional military capabilities remain important.
North Korea’s military modernization strategy therefore involves multiple layers.
September 20, 2026 | 7:26 pm
