Key facts
- Kim Jong-un urged rapid expansion of North Korea's drone technology.
- An exhibition showcased tactical exploding drones, cruise missiles, and a 600 mm multiple rocket launcher.
- North Korea claimed drones and cruise missiles struck an island target with 100% accuracy.
- Kim stressed the need for "absolute superiority in drone technology."
- South Korea's spy agency assesses Kim's daughter, Ju-ae, is being groomed as his successor.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended a drone exhibition, reportedly the first of its kind, and called for a rapid expansion of the country's drone technology, according to state media reports on Friday. The exhibition, titled "Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Development-2026," featured various drones, including stealth and attack models, and demonstrations of cruise missiles and a 600 mm multiple rocket launcher. Kim emphasized the importance of achieving "absolute superiority in drone technology" for modern warfare. The event coincided with South Korea's detection of approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles launched by North Korea. Kim's daughter, Ju-ae, also attended the exhibition, with South Korean intelligence assessing she is being groomed as a successor.