North Korea intensifies war readiness with drone drills
Kim Jong Un stressed the importance of the North Korean army being fully prepared for war. He made this statement while supervising tactical exercises involving drones.
What do you need to know?
- Kim Jong Un urged the North Korean army to maintain full war readiness, which he deemed a key responsibility.
- The tactical exercises he oversaw included operations involving drones.
- North Korea confirmed the deployment of more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia as part of a strategic partnership agreement.
During the tactical exercises, Kim Jong Un closely monitored operations that used drones.
During the military exercises, the dictator stated that while the country’s revolutionary armed forces are engaged on multiple fronts, the anti-imperialist class struggle remains paramount. He emphasized, however, that ensuring full preparedness for war is the top priority, according to the state-run KCNA agency.
Analysts from South Korea's Yonhap agency interpret his remarks as an effort to justify military support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
South Korean media also suggest that the aim of Tuesday's exercises was to exchange combat experience gained by Pyongyang's soldiers on the Russian front, particularly in terms of drone tactics.
North Korean soldiers in Ukraine
North Korea officially confirmed at the end of last month the deployment of over 10,000 soldiers to Russia. The official statement underscored that military cooperation between the two nations has deepened under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous year.
