North Korea unveils new drones copying Israeli models
North Korea has boasted about tests of two new drones. Observers and war analysts have no doubt that the local designers have, once again, decided to copy solutions from other countries.
Kim Jong Un's regime (with Kim Jong Un himself present at the presentation this time) constantly tries to remind the world that the North Korean defence industry is working at full throttle and systematically delivers new weapons to the army. Very often, the prepared designs are copies of constructions from other nations. This strategy is particularly evident in relation to drones, especially in recent months.
North Korea copies Israeli drones
In January this year, information emerged about work on the Saetbyol-4 and Saetbyol-9 drones, which are visual copies of the well-known and highly regarded American RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper. From the photos shown now, it is evident that North Korea has two more new drones, this time copies of Israeli designs, also referred to as loitering munitions.
The first North Korean drone closely resembles the IAI Harop produced by Israel Aerospace Industries. The original measures 8 feet in length with a wingspan of 10 feet. It can remain airborne for up to 6 hours and carry a 51-pound warhead.
The second drone, showcased by Kim Jong Un's regime, was initially compared to Russian Lancets, but it more closely resembles the Hero 400 by UVision Air, another Israeli company. The Hero 400 is equipped with an 18-pound warhead. It has a range of approximately 93 miles and can stay airborne for 2 hours.
How does North Korea have Israeli drones?
As with copying American drones, two main questions arise this time. How does North Korea have Israeli drones, and have they managed to copy more than just the appearance?
The successful launch of drones into the air does not confirm that they perform similarly to the originals. The North Korean news agency, in a statement, did not disclose the names and characteristics of the new drones.
There are suggestions that the IAI Harop and Hero 400 ended up in North Korea from the Middle East. There have been instances of them being shot down, for example, in Lebanon. Hezbollah, supported and financed by Iran, which, alongside North Korea, is among Russia's closest allies, is headquartered there.
