 |
| Photo:www.pahomepage.com |
In a recent arms fair attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, new surveillance drones were put on display, sparking concerns about regional security. According to Ankit Panda, a representative of the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, these drones could significantly enhance situational awareness by providing surveillance capabilities and assessing potential targets.
The use of these drones was
highlighted in December when five North Korean drones crossed into South Korean
airspace, prompting an immediate response that involved the scrambling of
fighter jets and helicopters. Following this incident, South Korea increased
anti-drone measures at critical facilities, including the presidential office,
to counter future potential threats.
Despite their potential
benefits for surveillance, experts assert that these attack drones would have
limited effectiveness in an actual war on the Korean Peninsula due to their
vulnerability to anti-aircraft defenses. However, North Korea might explore the
possibility of offering these drones to external customers, according to Panda.
The parade showcasing these
advanced weapons was accompanied by statements from North Korean Defence
Minister General Kang Sun Nam, who accused the United States and its allies of
escalating tension in the region. It is crucial to note that North Korea has
been subjected to U.N. sanctions since 2006, which banned the development of
ballistic missiles.
Interestingly, Russia and
China have been opposing U.S.-led efforts to impose further sanctions on North
Korea for its pursuit of ballistic missiles. They argue that existing measures
should be eased for humanitarian purposes and as an incentive for the country
to enter negotiations. Their presence at events featuring banned missiles
raises concerns about their commitment to enforcing sanctions, said Leif-Eric
Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in
Seoul.
This stance from prominent
U.N. Security Council members has drawn criticism. Easley remarked that open
support from China and Russia for the North Korean regime, despite human rights
violations and flouting of resolutions banning nuclear and missile development,
undermines the effectiveness of sanctions.
As tensions continue to
escalate, South Korea and the United States have been conducting numerous
military exercises to respond to North Korean provocations. One recent drill
featured advanced fighter jets, including F-35A stealth aircraft, in an effort
to demonstrate their military capabilities.
The display of surveillance drones
at the arms fair adds a new dimension to the already complex security situation
in the region. As international concerns grow, the global community is closely
monitoring North Korea's actions and the response from other nations to uphold
U.N. Security Council resolutions. The question remains whether these drones
will have a more significant impact on regional security dynamics in the
future.
Posting Komentar untuk "North Korea Showcases Surveillance Drones at Arms Fair Amid Rising Tensions"