Kim Jong Un Demands Drone Superiority as North Korea Tests Missiles and Rocket Launchers

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited an exhibition of attack drones and other unmanned aeronautical technology on Thursday, October 29, 2026, according to state media KCNA. In his speech, Kim stressed the need to seize absolute superiority in drone technology and announced steps to rapidly expand and strengthen these capabilities.

The same day, North Korea conducted test-launches of various drones, missiles, and weapons from 600-millimetre ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers. KCNA photos showed Kim watching the weapons soar while his teenage daughter clapped beside him.

“Strength precisely means peace and peace is guaranteed only by strength. This is a matter of common sense needed to survive in the present noisy world.”

South Korea's military detected around 10 short-range ballistic missiles launched from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea on Friday, October 30. The missiles travelled approximately 250 kilometres, marking North Korea's first ballistic weapons firings in 17 days.

The weapons demonstration featured tactical suicide attack drones, tactical cruise missiles, multi-purpose drones, and a battalion equipped with 600-millimetre multiple rocket launchers named Sniper. KCNA reported that the weapons hit an islet target with 100 per cent accuracy and that the combat reliability of all major weapon systems was successfully verified.

Photographs released by North Korean media showed more than 10 of the 600-millimetre rocket launchers firing simultaneously and suicide attack drones striking mock targets believed to represent South Korean guard posts and US M1 Abrams tanks.

Tensions between the two Koreas remain high following land mine blasts at their border last month that wounded three South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused Pyongyang of burying the mines south of the military demarcation line, while North Korea denied responsibility and warned of retaliation if provoked.

North Korea has withdrawn from talks with the United States and South Korea since Kim's diplomacy with US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. Recent weapons testing activity appears intended to boost leverage for potential future diplomacy with the United States.