N.Korean leader Kim inspects munitions factories

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected munitions enterprises and instructed that the introduction of artificial intelligence to weapons systems be accelerated further.

State-run Korean Central Television reported on Saturday that Kim visited major munitions factories from Wednesday through Friday.

Pictures accompanying the program showed what appear to be 600-millimeter multiple rocket launchers as well as large and small unmanned aircraft.

The report said Kim appreciated that the munitions industrial enterprises have expanded their production capabilities in line with a plan issued by the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. He gave instructions to improve production conditions and raise the AI level of offensive and defensive weapons.

An expert in South Korea said the move may indicate that Pyongyang wants to demonstrate that it is advancing shifts to autonomous weapons that use AI.

When Kim inspected a drone test in September last year he stressed that enhancing AI levels of unmanned weapons systems and advancing operational capabilities were a top priority.