North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for rapid expansion of the country’s drone technology, stressing the need to achieve “absolute superiority in drone technology”. He also observed tests of several weapons, including drones and missiles, amid rising tensions with South Korea along their heavily fortified border.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim visited an exhibition of attack and other drones on Thursday. The exhibition showcased recent developments in the country’s unmanned aircraft technology. Addressing the event, Kim called for stronger drone capabilities and announced unspecified measures to “rapidly expand and strengthen the unmanned aeronautical technology”.

KCNA reported that North Korea later conducted test launches of various drones, missiles and weapons from 600 mm-calibre ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers. Photographs released by the agency showed Kim observing the tests alongside his teenage daughter, who was seen clapping. South Korea’s intelligence agency believes the girl, reportedly around 13, is likely to be Kim’s successor.

South Korea’s military said it detected around 10 short-range ballistic missiles launched from North Korea’s eastern coastal town of Wonsan on Thursday. These were the North’s first ballistic missile launches in 17 days.

Advanced drone technology remains a major priority for Kim as he seeks to strengthen both conventional and nuclear military capabilities. Experts believe North Korean troops deployed to Russia to support its war against Ukraine may have gained valuable experience in drone warfare from Russian forces and battlefield operations.

Tensions between the two Koreas have increased following landmine explosions along their border last month, which injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused Pyongyang of placing mines south of the military demarcation line and demanded an apology. North Korea denied responsibility and warned of retaliation if provoked.

Last week, Pyongyang also threatened to resume propaganda broadcasts through border loudspeakers and deploy new weapons systems along the frontier.

North Korea has stayed away from negotiations with the US and South Korea since Kim’s diplomatic engagement with US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. However, recent weapons tests appear aimed at strengthening Pyongyang’s position in possible future talks after Trump expressed interest in meeting Kim again.

On Saturday, Kim made an unexpected visit to a Chinese border town through a newly opened bridge and pledged to strengthen bilateral relations. North Korea has recently moved to improve ties with China after prioritising its relationship with Russia for several years. Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with thousands of troops and ammunition, reportedly in exchange for economic and military assistance.

Meanwhile, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis arrived in North Korea on Thursday to attend the reopening of Switzerland’s diplomatic office in Pyongyang and hold meetings with North Korean officials. He is scheduled to travel to South Korea on Friday.