North Korea’s Plans to Export Military Drones to U.S. Adversaries
North Korea is accelerating military drone production and plans to export these drones to U.S. adversaries, notably Iran and proxy forces. Despite long-standing UN sanctions, the country is enhancing its methods to avoid detection. Recipients also include Russia and various militant groups. Market challenges regarding the competitiveness of North Korean drones are evident, while the effectiveness of international enforcement against these exports remains in question.
North Korea is reportedly set to export military drones to adversaries of the United States, including Iran and various proxy forces, according to recent findings. Despite enduring international sanctions aimed at limiting its arms trade, Pyongyang’s drone production is accelerating significantly. An inquiry from Newsweek to the North Korean embassy in China for comments received no response due to timing constraints.
In November, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un commanded the government to initiate “full-scale production as soon as possible,” aiming to bolster relations with its few international allies while garnering foreign currency. The isolated nation is enhancing its abilities to bypass detection in light of UN sanctions targeting its nuclear and missile programs. Ukraine’s ongoing conflict has reportedly already seen Russia receive munitions from North Korea.
According to a high-ranking official interviewed by the Daily NK, North Korean officials commenced inspections of drones earmarked for export on March 7, paving the way for immediate dispatch once they pass inspection. Notable countries on the recipient list include Iran, Syria, the Houthi rebels of Yemen, African militant groups, and Russia.
These drones are being manufactured in North Pyongan Province and consist of various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including reconnaissance and loitering suicide drones. To evade international scrutiny, North Korea plans to ship UAV components via separate routes for on-site assembly, a tactic employed in prior arms exports. Transactions are also reportedly conducted through cryptocurrencies to enhance anonymity, with payments handled by front companies to obscure financial trails.
Vann Van Diepen, a former U.S. State Department expert in weapons of mass destruction, commented on the challenges North Korea might face in pricing its drones competitively against established non-Western suppliers, raising questions about the marketability of the Saetbyol-4 and -9 models.
The potential reaction from the United Nations and allied nations, particularly the U.S., regarding these shipments remains uncertain. However, the dismantling of the UN sanctions review panel by Russia last year may hinder enforcement capabilities, potentially allowing North Korea to expand its arms trade without significant scrutiny.
In summary, North Korea is intensifying its military drone production, targeting exports to U.S. adversaries such as Iran and Russia, despite existing UN sanctions. The strategic maneuvering to evade detection and ensure the successful shipment of these drones highlights North Korea’s adaptability and resilience. Observers remain cautious about the implications of such arms exports and the international community’s capacity to respond effectively to these developments.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
