Kim Jong Un unveiled two new North Korean aircraft that closely resemble US military drones.

Kim Jong Un unveiled two new North Korean aircraft that closely resemble US military drones.

North Korea Unveils New Drones Resembling US Military Models

North Korea drone

North Korea recently held a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted the Korean War. This event showcased a variety of weaponry, including two new aircraft that bear a striking resemblance to US military drones – the MQ-9 Reaper and the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

The exact capabilities of these new North Korean drones are still unclear. However, the visual similarities to their American counterparts highlight North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s efforts to elevate the country’s drone program and potentially rival that of the US. The MQ-9 Reaper is a combat-ready drone capable of carrying up to eight AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, making it a formidable force on the battlefield. The RQ-4 Global Hawk, on the other hand, excels in performing long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Photos and videos from the parade showed a convoy of trucks carrying these drones, capturing the attention of thousands of spectators waving North Korean flags. It is worth noting that these North Korean systems have so far been used only for show, while their American counterparts have proved their effectiveness in real military operations.

The development of these drones comes at a time when North Korea is engaging in rare diplomatic activities. The military parade coincided with visits from delegations representing Russia and China, reflecting the heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula. The presence of the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the parade emphasized the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Pyongyang and Moscow. Topics of discussion between Shoigu and Kim Jong Un included regional and international security issues.

It is important to highlight North Korea’s Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was also showcased during the parade. This solid-fueled missile represents a significant achievement in North Korea’s weapons development program. Unlike liquid-propellant missiles, solid-fueled systems can be fueled ahead of time and launched without warning, making them more difficult to detect and preemptively attack.

While North Korea has not conducted a nuclear test since 2017, its focus has shifted towards developing effective delivery systems for potential warheads. This recent military parade demonstrated North Korea’s determination to establish itself as a nuclear power despite international pressure and concern.

The United States, in response to North Korea’s missile test, strongly condemned the action, considering it a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. The White House emphasized that North Korea’s actions prioritize its weapons programs over the well-being of its people, and that these activities risk destabilizing the security situation in the region.

In conclusion, North Korea’s unveiling of new drones resembling US military models during its recent military parade highlights the country’s ambition to enhance its drone program and potentially challenge American dominance in this field. The event, coinciding with high-level diplomatic engagements, underscores the ongoing tensions on the Korean peninsula. As North Korea continues to develop its weapons systems, particularly the solid-fueled Hwasong-18 ICBM, the international community remains concerned about the country’s nuclear aspirations.