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Reverse-engineering of American Hellfire missiles has resulted in armed drones developed by North Korea. See how this military innovation is raising international tensions and posing a new global threat!
A North Korea surprised the international community by revealing military drones equipped with reverse-engineered missiles from United States. During a United States Army Association conference in 2024, Brigadier General Patrick Costello highlighted the growing threat these new North Korean drones pose, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
The similarities with the American MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-4 Global Hawk drones and the copy of Hellfire missiles have drawn attention, generating concern among US authorities.
North Korea's Drones and Reverse Engineering Technology
North Korean drones, such as the Saetbyol-4 and Saetbyol-9, bear a striking resemblance to American models, both in design and weaponry. Experts believe that North Korea has used drone-based techniques to engineering reverse to replicate US drone and missile technology.
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The Hellfire missile, in particular, is widely used on American drones in several conflict zones, and its copying represents a significant advance for the Pyongyang regime.
In July 2023, North Korea first displayed these drones during a military parade, where one of the models was filmed firing missiles that strongly resembled the AGM-114 Hellfire.
Although the technical details of these weapons are not yet fully known, the American intelligence community believes that espionage or the recovery of parts in conflict zones may have contributed to the development of this technology.
This situation highlights North Korea's ability to develop modern weaponry, which may not be as advanced as its Western counterparts, but is dangerous enough to destabilize regional security.
The growing threat in the Indo-Pacific
The presence of North Korean drones with long-range missiles poses a new challenge for countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States and its allies are increasingly concerned about the impact of this technology on potential conflicts, especially in already tense areas such as the Korean Peninsula.
General David Stewart, Director of the Joint Counter-UAS Office, stressed that drones have become a fundamental part of modern conflicts, and the U.S. military is aware of the importance of developing counter-drone technologies to protect against these new threats.
In response to this scenario, the US Department of Defense has requested a budget of $2,4 billion for unmanned aerial systems in fiscal year 2025. In addition, an additional request of $741 million was made to fund counter-drone technologies, which have not yet received due funding.
Companies like Anduril, a leading producer of defense technologies, are at the forefront of developing systems that can neutralize enemy drones. The company recently signed multi-billion dollar contracts with the U.S. Special Operations Command, reinforcing the importance of having anti-drone technologies that are seen as crucial in future combat scenarios.
Geopolitical impacts and possible alliances with Russia
North Korea’s advance in armed drones has also raised concerns about its cooperation with Russia. In recent months, there have been rumors that Pyongyang could share its new military technologies with Moscow, bolstering Russia’s capabilities in the war against Ukraine.
This would not only represent an increase in Russia's military capabilities, but would also cement a strategic alliance between the two countries.
In addition to drones, North Korea has demonstrated advances in the development of ballistic missiles. On January 14, 2024, the country successfully tested a solid-fuel ballistic missile equipped with a hypersonic warhead.
This type of missile, in addition to being faster and more difficult to intercept, is capable of hitting important strategic targets, such as the American base in Guam. This significantly increases tensions in the Pacific and puts the US defense capabilities to the test.
Rising tension on the Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula, meanwhile, is facing a period of rising political tensions. North Korea recently proposed a constitutional amendment that challenges South Korea's status as a separate state, which could further complicate relations between the two nations.
While Pyongyang insists it is not seeking military confrontation, its actions indicate a preparation for future conflicts should the situation require it.
These developments are a stark reminder that North Korea’s military capabilities are evolving rapidly, and the world needs to be prepared to deal with the geopolitical implications of this new reality.
The combination of armed drones, hypersonic missiles and strategic alliances could alter the balance of power in an already unstable region, and the coming years will be crucial in determining the impact of these technological advances on the global stage.
