Pyongyang Orders Drone Push

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered a rapid expansion of the country's drone program on October 29. He visited an exhibition of attack and other drones, where he stated the need for absolute superiority in the technology. The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that he announced measures to quickly strengthen uncrewed aeronautical capabilities.

The directive follows a series of weapon tests. South Korea's military detected the launch of approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles from Wonsan on the east coast on Thursday. These marks North Korea's first ballistic weapons launches in 17 days. KCNA also reported test launches of various drones, missiles, and munitions from 600mm ultra-precision multiple-launch rocket systems.

Photographs released by the state news agency show Kim watching missiles in flight. His teenage daughter stands beside him, applauding. The imagery accompanies the report of his speech at the drone exhibition, where he emphasized the priority of acquiring advanced systems.

Tensions along the border remain high. Last month, landmine explosions injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused Pyongyang of laying mines south of the military demarcation line and demanded an apology. North Korea denied responsibility and warned of retaliatory measures if provoked. The country also threatened last week to resume loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts and deploy new weapons systems along the border.

Diplomatic dynamics have shifted in recent weeks. North Korea withdrew from trilateral talks after diplomatic initiatives with the United States collapsed in 2019. Pyongyang has stepped up weapons testing, likely to strengthen its negotiating position. This follows a period where North Korea prioritized relations with Russia, sending thousands of troops and munitions to support the war in Ukraine. Experts suggest these troops gained experience in drone warfare from the Russian Armed Forces.

Kim also made an unexpected visit to a Chinese border city via a newly opened bridge on October 24. He pledged to develop bilateral relations with China, North Korea's economic partner. This marks a shift toward strengthening ties with Beijing after several years of focusing on Moscow.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis arrived in Pyongyang on Thursday to mark the reopening of Switzerland's diplomatic mission. He is scheduled to travel to South Korea on October 30. North Korea conducted test launches of two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles off its east coast in mid-October.