North Korea’s Military Expansion: Troop Support to Russia and New Drone Developments
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased new drones while reports surfaced of an additional deployment of 3,000 troops to Russia for the Ukraine conflict. As ties between North Korea and Russia strengthen, international concerns rise over potential military technology exchanges. The situation is evolving as North Korean forces appear to gain battlefield experience, raising alarms in South Korea and among other stakeholders.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has displayed new military drones as reports indicate an additional deployment of 3,000 troops to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Pyongyang released images on March 27, showcasing Kim inspecting reconnaissance and attack drones at a confidential location. This has prompted international concerns regarding Russia’s potential provision of drone technology to North Korea in exchange for significant military aid.
On the same day that Kim evaluated the drones, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) observed that more than 3,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia in January and February. This troop movement follows an earlier deployment of 11,000 North Korean soldiers who have since participated in operations in Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian analyst Oleh Saakyan expressed concerns, noting, “We can say that Russia is already becoming dependent on North Korea in many ways, not only in terms of shells, but also in terms of other weapons…as well as in terms of soldiers.”
The initial reports regarding the troop dispatch happened in late February but lacked detailed numerical information. Recent events coincide with statements by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko, who indicated that plans were underway for Kim to visit Moscow later this year. Kim previously traveled to Moscow, arriving via armored train, in 2019 and 2023 for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside multiple visits to China and summits with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have notably strengthened since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In addition to troop deployments, North Korea has reportedly supplied short-range missiles, self-propelled howitzers, and rocket launchers as per the South Korean military’s announcements. Saakyan pointed out the challenges faced by the Russian economy, stating, “In reality, the state of the Russian economy and Russia’s mobilization needs are becoming more and more difficult to meet, just like in Ukraine.”
The JCS has indicated that the latest troop deployment also included supplementary equipment and ammunition, occurring amidst Russia’s requests for Western nations to halt military assistance to Ukraine in exchange for a partial cease-fire. Last month, Kim asserted that his forces would persist in their support for Russia as part of a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Military deployments to support Russia commenced in autumn 2022, initially facing setbacks, reported heavy casualties among the North Korean troops struggling against Ukrainian air assaults. A Ukrainian military intelligence official noted that North Korean forces had retreated from the front lines due to substantial losses. Nonetheless, there have been indications of improved performance from these troops in recent engagements, contributing to Ukrainian retreats in the Kursk region. This development raises alarms in South Korea about the potential battlefield experience and the fear of technology exchanges between Moscow and Pyongyang.
North Korean state media reported on March 27 that Kim expressed satisfaction with the new drones, indicating an intention to increase production as drones and artificial intelligence emerged as significant priorities. South Korean military spokesperson Lee Sung Joon expressed skepticism regarding the showcased drone’s capabilities, mentioning, “It looks quite cumbersome and we assess that it’s likely vulnerable to interception.”
The recent military activities of North Korea under Kim Jong Un, particularly in the context of troop deployments to Russia and advancements in drone technology, underline a significant shift in geopolitical relations. As North Korea continues to support Russian efforts in Ukraine, concerns over a deepening military partnership between the two nations grow, amplifying regional tensions and international apprehension regarding the exchange of military technologies. The situation warrants careful observation, particularly regarding the potential implications for global security and regional stability.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
