N. Korea Drone Demos Increase Tensions in Region North Korea has tested exploding drones designed to crash into targets, and leader Kim Jong Un has called for mass production of the weapons, state media said in the middle of November. The demonstrations are likely to cause increased geopolitical anxiety at a time of already high tensions. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published photos of Kim talking with officials near at least two different types of drone. The drones flew various routes and accurately struck targets, KCNA said. Its images showed what appeared to be a BMW being destroyed and old models of tanks being blown up. Kim expressed satisfaction with the weapons' development process and stressed the need to "build a serial production system as early as possible and go into full-scale mass production," noting how drones are becoming crucial in modern warfare. Tensions between North and South Korea remain high, as Kim shows off his advancing nuclear and missile program, which includes various nuclear-capable weapons and missiles that can potentially reach the US. In October, North Korea accused South Korea of sending its own drones to drop anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets over the North's capital of Pyongyang, and threatened to respond with force if such flights occur again. South Korea's military has refused to confirm whether or not the North's claims were true. Kim has also reportedly sent troops to fight alongside Russia in the war with Ukraine. The US and South Korea have discussed their "strong concerns" about the strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the use of North Korean troops in the war a "grave escalation" and he has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin to share these feelings. It has been reported that there may be as many as 10,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia and Ukraine, as well as senior generals and military equipment. Observers have suggested that the North Korean soldiers are not well equipped to fight but others have said that training and money they get from Russia could boost the strength of the North Korean army.