North Korea’s Kim Jong Un calls for enhanced military posture as South Korea boosts drones

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, June 28, 2026

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un directed the enhancement of the country's offensive military capabilities following tests of new missile warheads and artillery systems capable of targeting South Korea and U.S. bases. In response to these escalating threats, South Korea announced a major expansion of its drone warfare program, including the development of thousands of reconnaissance and attack drones and training its entire military in their use.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for strengthening the country’s military offensive capabilities following a series of weapons tests, state media reported Friday, as South Korea announced plans to significantly expand its drone warfare program amid ongoing regional tensions.

Kim observed Thursday’s tests, which involved the evaluation of a “special mission” warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, an enhanced multiple rocket launcher system, and accuracy trials of shells fired from a self-propelled gun-howitzer with extended range, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The North Korean leader emphasized that the tests demonstrated technological advancements aimed at altering the country’s fire posture along the southern border, with the new weapons reportedly capable of targeting locations within South Korea, including U.S. military bases.

Kim described the goal of North Korea’s defense policy as reinforcing a “deadly and destructive offensive posture” designed to deter adversaries from confrontation. KCNA quoted him as saying that inducing “constant uneasiness and fear” in enemies forms an essential part of the nation’s war deterrence strategy. The special mission warhead is purportedly intended to inflict severe damage on key enemy infrastructure such as airfields, ports, and power facilities.

In a parallel development, South Korea’s Defense Ministry on Friday outlined plans to enhance its drone forces in response to what it described as escalating military threats from the North, which it alleges has received technological support from Russia. The initiative includes the development of long-range attack drones, procurement of over 20,000 low-cost reconnaissance and strike drones, and the training of South Korea’s entire 500,000-strong military as “drone warriors” capable of operating unmanned systems with the proficiency of personal firearms.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back highlighted the importance of adapting to modern warfare dynamics, citing the growing role of low-cost loitering munitions as demonstrated in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where North Korean troops are reported to have fought alongside Russian forces. Ahn stressed the urgency of bolstering South Korea’s drone capabilities in light of evolving operational threats.

North Korea has continued to advance its nuclear and missile programs since the breakdown of high-level talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019, concurrently emphasizing the enhancement of sophisticated conventional weapons. On Tuesday, the country commissioned the Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton destroyer that Kim described as a symbol of North Korea’s expanding naval and nuclear strength.

Despite repeated overtures by Trump to resume diplomacy, Kim has insisted that denuclearization demands must be lifted before negotiations can proceed. He has also adopted a more confrontational stance toward South Korea, which he labels the country’s “principal enemy,” by increasing military installations near the heavily fortified inter-Korean border.

In recent years, Kim has strengthened ties with Russia, showing support for Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine, and received a high-profile visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month—Xi’s first to North Korea in seven years—reflecting shifting diplomatic alignments in the region.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.