Kim also inspected new upgraded reconnaissance drones that are capable of detecting various tactical targets and enemy activities on land and at sea, KCNA state news agency said.

“Kim Jong-un said unmanned equipment and artificial intelligence technology must be top priorities in weapons modernisation,” KCNA said.

He stressed the importance of promoting a concerted longer-term national programme to be at the forefront of accelerating competition of intelligent unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military use, KCNA said.

North Korea has made a strong push to develop drones including kamikaze munitions. The project is suspected to be part of the growing military cooperation between the North and Russia over the past year.

North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s war against Ukraine are believed to have been in engaged in drone warfare, gaining valuable battleground experience.