North Korean leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a new large drone with a stealth-like design during a military technology exhibition on 29 October 2026. Pyongyang also demonstrated strike FPV drones, loitering munitions and other unmanned systems. Kim Jong-un called for achieving «absolute superiority» in the field of drones and accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence into weaponry. This was reported by CNN on 1 November, as well as by Reuters and the Associated Press, citing the DPRK’s state news agency, KCNA.
- Kim Jong-un unveiled a new large drone with a stealth-like design at a military exhibition on 29 October 2026.
- North Korea has demonstrated more than 30 types of drones, including FPV attack drones.
- North Korea plans to actively integrate artificial intelligence into military unmanned systems.
- The North Korean military may have drawn on the experience gained during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
- The technical specifications of the new stealth drone and its readiness for combat use have not yet been confirmed.
What new drone has North Korea unveiled?
The main highlight of the «Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Development-2026» exhibition was a large unmanned aerial vehicle without a conventional tail unit.
Its design is reminiscent of the American experimental X-47B drone, the Chinese GJ-11 and the Russian S-70 «Okhotnik». This shape may reduce the aircraft’s radar signature, but does not in itself guarantee full stealth capability.
According to experts at The War Zone, the vehicle shown may simply be a mock-up. North Korea has not disclosed the engine specifications, flight range, payload or control systems.
There is currently no evidence that this drone has ever taken to the air.
What other weapons did Kim Jong-un display?
According to the Associated Press, more than 30 types of drones for various purposes were showcased at the exhibition.
These included reconnaissance aircraft, FPV drones, strike systems and loitering munitions.
Some of the models resemble the American Switchblade and Russian «Lancet» drones in appearance. Large reconnaissance and strike drones were also on display, some of which had already been shown at previous DPRK exhibitions.
Separately, Pyongyang held a demonstration of its weapons. According to KCNA, attack drones, cruise missiles and missiles fired from drones successfully struck targets on the island.
The North Korean authorities have claimed that the strikes were 100 per cent accurate. It is not possible to independently verify these claims.
How the war in Ukraine might have affected the DPRK’s development programme
In the CNN report, the correspondent Will Ripley drew attention to a possible link between the development of North Korean drones and the combat experience gained during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to South Korean intelligence, the DPRK has sent more than 16,000 military personnel to Russia since October 2024. Some of them have gained experience in modern warfare, including the use of drones and electronic warfare systems.
Experts suggest that Pyongyang can use this knowledge to improve their own FPV drones and strike systems.
At the same time, there is currently no evidence that Russia has transferred technology specifically for a new large stealth drone.
Why is Kim Jong-un banking on artificial intelligence?
During the exhibition, the leader of the DPRK emphasised that the development of unmanned aerial vehicles should be one of the key areas of modernisation for the armed forces.
He paid particular attention to artificial intelligence, which Pyongyang plans to use more extensively in military systems.
However, the North Korean authorities have not explained exactly which artificial intelligence functions are already operational in the drones on display. Nor has it been disclosed when these new developments might enter service.
The demonstration took place against a backdrop of escalating tensions between North and South Korea. On 29 October, the South Korean military recorded the launch of around ten North Korean projectiles, including short-range ballistic missiles.
As of 2 November 2026, the DPRK confirmed a public demonstration of a new large unmanned aerial vehicle; however, its technical specifications, flight capabilities and combat readiness remain unknown.
