Kim issued the call while speaking at an unmanned aeronautical technology exhibition and weapons demonstration, state media KCNA reported.
A firepower demonstration followed the exhibition involving tactical suicide attack drones, tactical cruise missiles, multipurpose drones and a battalion of 600mm multiple rocket launchers, KCNA said.
South Korea's military said on Thursday that North Korea had fired around 10 projectiles, including short-range ballistic missiles.
According to KCNA, Kim said pursuing superiority in drone technology was "an indispensable option" given the changing nature of modern warfare.
He also said using high-level AI in unmanned weapons systems should be a top priority for North Korea in building modern armed forces, KCNA reported.
Kim has made repeated calls for the development of drones and AI in the military.
According to state media, Kim ordered mass production of suicide attack drones in November 2024 and oversaw tests of AI-equipped versions in March 2025. In September 2025, he called AI a top priority in modernising weapons.
Since October 2024, North Korea has sent more than 16,000 personnel to Russia to aid in its war against Ukraine, and gained live experience of drone, electronic and combined-arms warfare, according to South Korean intelligence.
Tensions between the two Koreas are running high since last month's land mine blasts at their border that wounded three South Korean soldiers.
Seoul accused North Korea of burying the mines south of the military demarcation line and demanded an apology. But Pyongyang has denied responsibility for the explosions and warned of retaliation if provoked.
with AP
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