Pyongyang Begins Mass Drone Production With Russian Support

North Korea has begun mass-producing attack drones and is upgrading its ballistic missiles with the technical assistance of Russia.

The New York Times reported that Moscow is providing military data and components to Pyongyang in exchange for soldiers, workers, and weapons. This exchange follows the two nations renewing their military ties after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Pyongyang has used Russian support to modernize its armed forces and equipment.

In early October, North Korea tested a tactical ballistic missile that officials said could carry a nuclear payload. South Korea and Japan estimated the missile traveled about 700 km, while North Korea claimed a range of 1,000 km. Five days after this launch, South Korea test-fired its own hypersonic ballistic missile for the first time. President Lee Jae Myung observed the test, marking a shift from Seoul's usual short statements describing such North Korean tests as provocative.

Analyst Anton Ponomarenko stated that access to Russian deployment data and feedback has helped North Korea improve the accuracy and maneuverability of its weapons. He described the threat to South Korea as more substantial. Russia has also assisted in building unmanned systems for large-scale production. Pyongyang has studied how inexpensive drones in Ukraine and the Middle East can overwhelm costly air defense systems. In a drill last month, a drone swarm attacked a target island while cruise and ballistic missiles struck from different directions simultaneously.

The New York Times argued that these evolving tactics will eventually force South Korea and its allies to redesign their air defenses at high cost. This report follows other recent accounts of the partnership. Bloomberg reported in September that Russia is using North Korean citizens to produce military drones at facilities in Alabuga, Tatarstan. Up to 25,000 North Koreans are believed to be working at Russian military plants. A North Korean missile forces unit, potentially equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers, has begun deploying in western Russia.

Ukrainska Pravda previously reported that Russia asked North Korea in August to provide KN-30 ballistic missiles. In June, North Korea announced tests of a modernized 240mm multiple-launch rocket system, a tactical ballistic missile, and a 155mm long-range artillery shell.