North Korea has sent an estimated 3,000 additional troops to Russia in early 2023 as support for the war in Ukraine. The South Korean military reports the transfer of weapons and military personnel, raising concerns about North Korea’s potential acquisition of advanced technologies from Russia. Kim Jong Un’s emphasis on drone development signals a significant modernization effort of North Korea’s military capabilities.
According to South Korea’s military assessment, North Korea has dispatched an additional 3,000 troops to Russia during January and February, demonstrating ongoing support for President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts in Ukraine. The South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that alongside personnel, North Korea is also supplying missiles, artillery, and ammunition, with the potential for increasing these supplies based on the evolving conflict situation.
The North Korean military equipment delivered to Russia includes significant quantities of short-range ballistic missiles, 170 millimeter self-propelled howitzers, and approximately 220 units of 240 millimeter multiple rocket launchers. North Korea’s involvement marks its first large-scale combat engagement since the Korean War, with estimates suggesting around 11,000 Korean soldiers have participated, of which approximately 4,000 have been reported as killed or wounded.
The National Intelligence Service of South Korea has attributed the substantial casualty rate to North Korean forces facing challenges in adapting to modern warfare, particularly regarding drones. The inadequacies in tactical support from Russian commanders have further compounded the difficulties experienced by these troops. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian officials contend that the North Koreans are gaining invaluable battlefield experience and have been integral to Russia’s strategy of deploying large numbers of troops in critical confrontations.
The report arrived following a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian security official Sergei Shoigu, during which Kim reiterated North Korea’s steadfast support for Russia’s military actions. As mutual defense accords were reaffirmed, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko hinted at a prospective visit by Kim to Moscow.
Kim’s military partnership with Russia has raised concerns that North Korea may acquire advanced technologies, specifically in areas such as drone development. In recent statements, North Korean state media reported Kim’s supervision of tests for new reconnaissance and attack drones, marking a notable increase in his country’s military capabilities. Reports suggest that these drones may improve intelligence operations and threat neutralization.
Kim expressed satisfaction with the drones’ testing results, advocating for an expansion in production. He categorically stated that prioritizing drone and artificial intelligence technology is vital for modernizing North Korea’s military capabilities. While details of the drones are emerging, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff expressed skepticism, indicating that North Korea likely modified existing aircraft for their reconnaissance capabilities, and might be exaggerating their effectiveness.
This ongoing situation highlights North Korea’s active role in global military alignments and emphasizes the increasing complexities of international relationships amid the conflict in Ukraine.
In conclusion, North Korea’s recent military contributions to Russia and the potential acquisition of advanced technologies underline a developing alliance between the two nations amid growing international tensions. The dispatch of additional troops and military equipment signifies North Korea’s commitment to supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Moreover, Kim Jong Un’s focus on advancing drone technology reflects his ambition to modernize military capabilities, potentially raising concerns regarding regional security.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
