Photo: Getty images
North Korea is preparing to transfer more troops and military equipment, including kamikaze drones, to Russia as part of its support for Moscow in its war against Ukraine. This is stated in a report by the South Korean General Staff released on Monday, Yonhap News Agency reports.
“A comprehensive analysis of the available information indicates that Pyongyang plans to either increase or rotate its troops stationed in Russia, while simultaneously supplying 240 mm multiple launch rocket systems and 170 mm self-propelled artillery,” the document “Recent Military Trends in North Korea” states.
The report also states that North Korea may be preparing to produce and transfer kamikaze drones to Moscow. Such drones carry explosives and are designed to destroy targets by self-destruction. In November, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un already emphasised the need for “massive and rapid production of such drones”.
At the same time, North Korean media reported that Kim Jong-un personally observed the testing of several types of kamikaze drones, which demonstrates the growing importance of these inexpensive but effective tools in modern warfare.
According to NATO, the United States and South Korea, Pyongyang has deployed about 11,000 troops in recent weeks to regions such as Kursk to support the Russian army in its aggression against Ukraine. Seoul suggests that in exchange for military assistance, Pyongyang received anti-aircraft missiles and other air defence systems from Russia.
Military co-operation between Russia and North Korea has significantly increased over the past year. In June, the countries signed a strategic agreement on mutual assistance in the event of aggression.
This cooperation is of concern to the international community, as both regimes seek to strengthen their military capabilities by using the conflict in Ukraine as a platform for practical weapons testing.
