Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a performance test of tactical attack drones, emphasizing the need to advance artificial intelligence technology and enhance their operational capabilities, state media reported.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim inspected the test of unmanned weapons developed by an institute and enterprise under the Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Complex. The leader reviewed the performance and combat applicability of both strategic and tactical reconnaissance drones, as well as multipurpose unmanned aerial vehicles.

The test showcased the effectiveness of Kumsong-series tactical attack drones for combat use, along with the strategic value and performance of surveillance drones' capabilities, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). This marks the first time North Korean state media reported on Kumsong-line tactical attack drones.

Kim highlighted the importance of advancing AI and operational capabilities of unmanned systems as a priority in modernizing the armed forces, noting that drones have become key assets in modern warfare. He called for efforts to rapidly develop artificial intelligence technology and expand production capacity, according to the KCNA.

Photos from the KCNA showed two types of "suicide attack drones" targeting mock sites. North Korea has previously conducted performance tests of such drones in August and November last year, as well as in March, when it supervised tests of drones equipped with AI technology.

North Korea's focus on drone development has been notable, particularly since deploying troops to Russia to support Moscow's involvement in Ukraine, where drones play a significant combat role. Experts suggest the recent tests may relate to a defense policy the regime could unveil at a party congress scheduled for late this year or early next year.

Hong Min, a senior researcher at South Korea's Korea Institute for National Unification, suggested that North Korea's actions might be intended to demonstrate its capability to reconnoiter enemy activities and attack major radar or air defense installations.

In parallel, South Korea and the United States are concluding the Iron Mace tabletop exercise, which integrates Washington's nuclear assets with Seoul's conventional capabilities to counter North Korean threats.