Crisis Management for a Conflict with North Korea

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"北, 전략 무인기 최대 16대 실험 부대 신설한 듯"

"North Korea appears to have established a new unit to test up to 16 strategic drones"

Joongang Ilbo | Local Language | News | April 4, 2025 | North Korea

The U.S. think tank CSIS's "Beyond Parallel" reported that North Korea appears to have established a new unit for testing strategic drones, with new drone hangars observed at Banghyon Air Base. The analysis of satellite imagery revealed seven hangars completed since mid-2023, suggesting an effort to enhance North Korea's air surveillance capabilities to counter South Korea and U.S. air deterrence.

The report indicates that the Banghyon Air Base is now the operational center for North Korea's large drones, with intentions to test between 8 to 16 aircraft. While small drones remain under the Reconnaissance General Bureau's control and larger ones under the People’s Army, the current command structure for these drones is uncertain. It highlights potential cooperation with Russia in drone development following improved bilateral relations and notes that North Korea struggled with large drone development until 2021.

Recent activities included Kim Jong-un overseeing defense science projects related to unmanned aerial technology. The CSIS report emphasizes that North Korea's drone developments, especially in relation to the Saetbyeol-4, do not incorporate advanced U.S. technology despite resembling the Global Hawk. Additionally, intelligence suggests that North Korean military personnel may have collaborated with Russia regarding drone tactics, as indicated by the visit of a Russian commander to North Korea amid the Ukraine conflict.

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