a large gray unmanned aerial vehicle on display in a hangar with officials and a military officer walking beside it under red white and blue banners

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on October 30 reported on the “Unmanned Aviation Technology Development–2026” exhibition, held a day earlier with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in attendance.

According to KCNA, the exhibition featured strategic- and operational-tactical-level multipurpose unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), suicide attack drones and other systems. The event also included demonstrations of drone strikes and a live-fire demonstration involving the 600mm super-large multiple rocket launcher system, known as the “Sniper.”

The photographs released by KCNA offer a glimpse not only of the weapons on display but also of how the exhibition was staged. Rows of identical small drones filled display shelves, while larger UAVs occupied prominent positions in the center of the spacious exhibition hall.

Although the photographs have not been independently authenticated, they suggest that Pyongyang sought to emphasize both the diversity of its drone capabilities and the scale of its production capacity. The images alone, however, cannot establish the actual number of systems produced, their operational capabilities or the extent to which they have been deployed.

Among the exhibits, a manta ray-shaped aircraft attracted particular attention from military experts. One described it as “a large stealth drone under development to neutralize South Korean military air defenses and conduct deep reconnaissance missions, among other tasks.”

It remains unclear, however, whether the aircraft is an operational platform or merely a mock-up, as only exhibition photographs have been released. Another expert pointed to its resemblance to Russia’s S-70 stealth drone, suggesting that “Russia stands out as the most likely source of technology transfer.”

The aircraft on display were subsequently linked to footage of attack demonstrations. KCNA claimed that air-to-ground missiles and cruise missiles launched from UAVs struck island targets with “100 percent accuracy.” Photographs released by the agency show what appears to be a missile being launched from a Saetbyol-9 drone, followed by images of strikes against simulated targets.

The demonstrations then shifted from aerial attacks to ground-based firepower. North Korea said the combat firing of its 600mm super-large multiple rocket launcher system, dubbed the “Sniper,” had been demonstrated publicly before an audience for the first time.

Kim said that pursuing “absolute superiority” in drones was an “indispensable choice” in response to changes in modern warfare.

By combining a drone exhibition with a multiple rocket launcher firing demonstration, Pyongyang sought to showcase not only its weapons but also its vision of future warfare, built around drones and precision strikes.

The juxtaposition of drones and large-caliber rocket artillery points to a battlefield strategy combining drone operations with precision firepower. If deployed in significant numbers, such systems could complicate South Korean air defense operations by forcing them to contend with multiple types of aerial threats, potentially in simultaneous attacks.

Exhibition photographs released by KCNA

military ceremony with rows of uniforms a blue carpet and a stage under an arched exhibition hall at an air show 2026

Overview of the “Unmanned Aviation Technology Development–2026” exhibition.

a man in a dark suit giving a formal speech at a wooden podium with multiple microphones north korean flag visible behind him flanked by military officers

Pak Jong-chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and widely regarded as North Korea’s de facto top military official, is seen on the right.

officials and military officers walk along a blue carpet at a defense expo surrounded by missile displays a large stage screen and photographers in a tented venue

Kim Jong-un speaks with Ri Pyong-chol, North Korea’s former air force minister, as his wife and daughter look on.

businessman in a black suit walks down an aisle between racks of drone propellers in a manufacturing facility

Small suicide attack drones appear to be among the exhibits.

military officers in uniform stand in formation at an aviation exhibition with a long white aircraft wing on display and a large screen stage nearby

A drone resembling Russia’s advanced S-70 Okhotnik stealth UAV is visible in the background.

indoor exhibition hall with rows of model airplanes on a green carpet and blue floor officials in uniforms inspecting displays while photographers capture the scene

Drones resembling Iran’s Shahed-136 are displayed directly behind the podium.

military officials and a civilian in formal attire observe a blue aircraft model at a public expo set under a colorful canopy

The aircraft resembles a suicide drone unveiled by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in April 2024. Jo Yong-won (front row, in a black suit), secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Central Committee and director of its Organization and Guidance Department, and Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui (center) also appear to have attended the exhibition.

military aircraft releases a missile with a fiery plume over a coastal city smoke trailing behind the launch

Launch of a Saetbyol-9 attack drone.

missile launch from a white military aircraft with a flame trail through a cloudy sky

Another angle showing the Saetbyol-9 attack drone.

beachside missile test multiple launchers fire rockets smoke and dust rise over the sand and sea

Launches involving various types of UAVS.

six panel battle montage with tanks airplanes and large explosions along a coastal hillside

Drone strikes against simulated targets.

row of missiles launching in parallel from the coast leaving bright flames and thick white smoke trails across a blue sky with clouds

600mm multiple rocket launcher live-fire demonstration.

formal ceremony on a seaside terrace with rows of attendees in suits facing a stage by the ocean

Kim Jong-un watches the multiple rocket launcher firing demonstration.

blue sky filled with multiple white contrails a small rocketmissile leaves a bright trail across the center

Rockets streak through the air, trailing white smoke.

crowd of uniformed people on a sandy beach facing a large video screen waving small red flags as jet contrails streak across a blue sky above

Military personnel watch the demonstration.

explosion at a rocky island in the sea with black smoke and orange flames overflowing from the rocks

Rockets strike their targets.

volcanic eruption off a rocky island a massive gray plume rising over the sea with three bare rocks in the foreground and choppy dark blue water below

More rockets hit their targets.

group of formally dressed officials applauding from a terrace with a man in a black suit at center smiling

Kim Jong-un and other observers watch the display.

man in a dark suit points toward two large screens set on a blue carpeted balcony during an outdoor event with others watching

The rockets are displayed on a monitor.

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Kim Taesung

Taesung offers informed perspectives on North Korean society, grounded in years of experience within a key state-run institution. After defecting to South Korea in 2024, he now focuses on providing analysis of the country.