In recent hours, new images have gone viral indicating that North Korea is advancing in the development of autonomous reconnaissance drones, highlighting a model called “Kumsong,” along with other unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), some of them equipped with artificial intelligence, intended to equip its Air Force. Although details, specifications, and capabilities remain unknown, the viral images and state media reports suggest that Pyongyang seeks to replicate—at least in appearance—the U.S. Global Hawk, considered a benchmark for high-altitude, long-range aerial surveillance capabilities.
Yesterday, various Asian sources released images of a recent drone test supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. According to observations, a large drone resembling the U.S. Global Hawk can be identified, apparently intended for the country’s Air Force. Loitering munitions (commonly known as “kamikaze drones”) and drones repurposed for reconnaissance and surveillance tasks were also observed.
It is worth noting that North Korea had previously showcased a system similar to the Kumsong, named Saetbyol-4 (“Morning Star-4”), resembling the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Additionally, in 2023, during a visit by the Russian Minister of Defense, other prototypes of similar configuration were displayed, although at that time their flight characteristics, performance, and mission system quality were not confirmed.
Now, for the first time, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on the attack drones, which have been named Kumsong. According to North Korean state authorities, the recent tests exceeded expectations, demonstrating “excellent effectiveness of the Kumsong series tactical attack drones for combat use, along with the military strategic value and operational performance of the strategic surveillance drones.”
Finally, it should not be overlooked that these types of displays by North Korea are accompanied by a strong regional message, especially regarding the presence of the United States in South Korea. In this sense, the demonstration highlights the military capabilities the country is developing and its need to modernize its Armed Forces in various areas, such as long-range attack drones and unmanned systems, where an increasing number of countries are investing to gain asymmetric combat capabilities.
*Photo credits to respective owners.
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