North Korea Possesses Two Saetbyeol-4 and Six Saetbyeol-9 Military Drones

38 North Report Focuses on North Korea
Estimates Based on Analysis of Serial Numbers

An analysis has emerged suggesting that North Korea currently possesses at least two units of the strategic unmanned reconnaissance drone "Saetbyeol-4," at least six units of the attack drone "Saetbyeol-9," and at least six units of the tactical unmanned attack drone "Geumseong."

Strategic unmanned reconnaissance drone Saetbyeol-4 revealed during Chairman Kim Jongun's inspection in March 2025. Korean Central News Agency

Martin Williams, a researcher at the Stimson Center, a U.S. think tank, stated this in a report titled "The State of North Korea's Drone Program," which was released on the North Korea-focused U.S. media outlet 38 North on September 25 (local time).

The report, based on serial numbers observed in North Korean state media, estimated that North Korea currently possesses at least two units of the Saetbyeol-4. The Saetbyeol-4 closely resembles the U.S. state-of-the-art high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance drone RQ-4 Global Hawk, earning it the nickname "North Korean Global Hawk."

The report explained that one Saetbyeol-4 carried the serial number 2102001, while the other was marked 2102002.

The report also noted that an improved version of the Saetbyeol-4 was observed in March this year. The model was spotted in photos of Chairman Kim Jongun's on-site inspection, showing a new optical window installed at the front of the fuselage and new panels, believed to be for electronic intelligence gathering, mounted on both sides of the aircraft-features that distinguish it from previous models in appearance.

It is estimated that at least six units of the Saetbyeol-9 have been produced. This model resembles the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper, a representative attack drone, and is thus called the "North Korean Reaper." The report noted that one unit was observed at a North Korean weapons exhibition, and four units appeared in a North Korean military parade. However, in footage of the parade aired by North Korean state television, only two serial numbers, "2101005" and "2101007," were confirmed. The report also pointed out that, considering one Saetbyeol-9 with a serial number ending in 009, there may be as many as nine units of this model in existence.

Regarding the tactical unmanned attack drone "Geumseong," the report stated that while the existence of the weapon had been identified in the past, its name was only recently confirmed.

The report also analyzed that expansion work is ongoing at Banghyeon Air Base in North Pyongan Province, which is used as a drone development facility.

The report further mentioned North Korea's dispatch of troops to the war in Ukraine, noting that it is highly likely that North Korea closely observed how drones are being operated on the battlefield and how it could utilize drone technology for its own purposes.