North Korea’s Reaper copy Saetbyol-9 fires a new cruise missile

North Korea released photographs showing a Saetbyol-9 armed drone launching an air-to-surface weapon during an October 29 live-fire demonstration attended by Kim Jong Un. Defence Blog described the weapon as a new air-launched tactical cruise missile, but its precise type and characteristics have not been independently confirmed. The photographs show underwing carriage and a weapon separating from the aircraft. The demonstration accompanied an exhibition of unmanned systems and included loitering munitions, cruise missiles and 600 mm multiple rocket launchers striking island and mock military targets, according to North Korean state media. Pyongyang has not disclosed the drone-launched weapon's designation, range, warhead or guidance system. Its claims of perfect accuracy have not been independently verified.