North Korea has successfully tested its unmanned reconnaissance and attack drones, according to a Daily NK military source. The report stated that the tests on both prototypes were concluded over three days, beginning on April 10, at a test facility in the District of Banghyun, Gusong City, in North Pyongan.
The North Korean military aimed to complete the tests by April 15, on Kim Il Sung’s birthday. On April 14, military authorities informed the leaders that they had conducted “successful final tactical and technical data stabilization tests” of the drones, according to the report.
Military authorities also claim that the reconnaissance drones are capable of “precision reconnaissance of areas deep within the frontline,” while the attack drones can perform “precision suicide attacks” on targets. Both can be used to conduct reconnaissance of major South Korean military facilities and perform “pincer attacks” on these facilities, the report said.
The military plans to continue the research and development of these drones over the next five years. Production on both drones reportedly began after April 15, and they are expected to be fielded in November.
Earlier this year, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for the development of reconnaissance drones “capable of penetrating the front up to 500 kilometers.”