Kim Jong Un Calls for Artificial Intelligence and Automation in North Korea’s Weapons Systems

North Korea’s recent exercises demonstrate that the country is interested in combining different systems rather than developing every weapon in isolation.

North Korea’s Recent Missile and Drone Exercises

The factory inspections came shortly after North Korea conducted a major military exercise involving multiple weapon types.

According to the Institute for the Study of War, the September 12 exercise included tactical short-range ballistic missiles, 600mm multiple-launch rocket systems, cruise missiles and two types of drones.

The exercise was reportedly designed to improve integrated fire command and automated fire command across multiple platforms.

The exercise therefore provides context for Kim Jong Un’s subsequent comments about AI and automation.

North Korea’s military leadership appears to be emphasizing not only individual weapons but also coordination between weapons.

The ability to coordinate different systems is a central feature of modern military operations.

It can potentially allow commanders to use different weapons according to their range, speed, survivability and intended function.

The September exercise also demonstrates why drones have become increasingly important in North Korean military planning.

Unmanned systems can potentially operate alongside conventional missiles and artillery, providing additional surveillance or strike options.

North Korea’s Military Technology and Russia

North Korea’s military modernization is also occurring against the backdrop of its expanding relationship with Russia.

The Royal United Services Institute has reported that North Korea’s military modernization has been influenced by its engagement with the war in Ukraine and its increasingly close relationship with Russia.

The Ukraine war has provided extensive real-world evidence about the importance of drones, electronic warfare, artillery, precision weapons and integrated strike systems.

Military organizations around the world have studied these developments.

North Korea has also publicly demonstrated an interest in technologies that have become increasingly important in contemporary warfare.

However, determining exactly what North Korea has learned from Russia, what technology it has obtained and how that technology has influenced individual weapons programs requires careful analysis.

Publicly available information does not provide a complete picture.

September 20, 2026 | 7:26 pm