Kim Jong Un Supervises Tests of New AI-Equipped Suicide Drones

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised tests of newly developed suicide drones featuring artificial intelligence technology, according to the state-run KCNA news agency on March 27, 2025. Kim emphasized that unmanned control and AI capabilities must be prioritized in the modernization of North Korea's military arsenal. During the inspection, Kim also reviewed upgraded reconnaissance drones capable of identifying tactical targets and enemy activities on both land and sea. "He stressed the importance of promoting a concerted, longer-term national program to lead in the competition of intelligent unmanned aerial vehicles for military purposes," KCNA reported. This initiative is seen as part of North Korea's broader effort to enhance its drone capabilities, including kamikaze munitions, amid increasing military cooperation with Russia. Reports indicate that North Korean troops are gaining battlefield experience in drone warfare, particularly in the context of Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The development of advanced unmanned systems suggests a significant shift in North Korea's military strategy and capabilities.

North Korea launched multiple unidentified ballistic missiles on March 10, 2025, coinciding with the start of the joint military exercise "Freedom Shield" involving the United States and South Korea. The drills, described as defensive, have been condemned by Pyongyang as a "provocative act" that risks igniting conflict. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the launch, noting that the missiles were fired from Hwanghae province into the West Sea, also known as the Yellow Sea. The ongoing military drills run until March 20 and involve various types of training, including live exercises. Tensions have escalated on the Korean Peninsula, particularly after a recent incident in which South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped bombs during a separate drill, injuring 31 people. Analysts suggest the significant military activities underscore the frosty relations between the two Koreas, which remain technically in a state of war since their conflict ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. North Korea continues to react to US military presence in the region with missile tests, further complicating diplomatic efforts.

North Korean hackers have successfully cashed out at least $300 million from a record-breaking $1.5 billion heist involving the ByBit crypto exchange, according to the FBI and crypto investigator Elliptic. The cybercriminals, suspected to be affiliated with North Korea’s Lazarus Group, gained access to ByBit’s systems by compromising a supplier’s digital wallet on February 21, redirecting a transfer of 401,000 Ethereum coins to an address they controlled. Elliptic's study revealed that approximately 20% of the stolen assets are likely "gone dark" and unrecoverable. Dr. Tom Robinson, Elliptic's co-founder, noted the urgency for hackers to obfuscate their transactions, underscoring their sophistication. ByBit's CEO, Ben Zhou, reassured clients that their funds are secure, as the company used investor loans to refund the stolen amounts. The theft’s proceeds are believed to potentially fund North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, with experts highlighting the regime's adeptness in cybercrime. Dr. Dorit Dor from Check Point emphasized North Korea's creation of a criminal industry out of hacking.