North Korea Tests Swarm Attacks and Hypersonic Missiles

The Government of North Korea conducted military exercises in September 2026 to practice swarm attacks that integrate unmanned systems with conventional weaponry. These tests combined attack drones, nuclear-capable missiles, rockets, and long-range artillery to refine concentrated fire tactics intended to decimate enemy forces.

As part of this modernization effort, North Korea fired two purported hypersonic missiles on September 20 and tested an updated 240mm multiple-rocket-launcher system featuring unmanned pinpoint guidance. These tactics mirror strategies employed by Russia in Ukraine and Iran in the Middle East, aiming to exhaust expensive Western interceptors by overwhelming air defenses with high volumes of diverse threats.

This military expansion is supported by a deepening partnership with the Federal Government of Russia. Following a mutual defense pact signed in June 2024, the two nations have increased collaboration through the exchange of personnel and missile shipments for use against Ukraine.