Pyongyang Unveils Homegrown Sniper Rifle Amid Signs of Russia Military Links

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a special operations training base under the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army to inspect the training status of sniper units. The Workers’ Party of Korea’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Thursday that Kim inspected the training of sniper and special operations units at the base on Wednesday. Photographs showed snipers wearing full-body, green mesh-like ghillie suits for concealment.

Kim stood alongside camouflaged snipers against a backdrop of dense forest as he received reports from officials. This display appeared to demonstrate the snipers’ ability to blend into thick foliage.

The snipers, their faces masked with camouflage cream, were observed lying prone on the ground with their rifles concealed during shooting practice, crouching behind trees, and even perching in trees while aiming.

Kim praised the new sniper rifle developed by North Korea’s defense scientists in their own distinctive way, highlighting its ergonomic design and enhanced tactical mobility for snipers. He emphasized the importance of strengthening special operations and specialized sniper capabilities as a key task in military development.

The leader also announced plans for the Party Central Military Commission to consider establishing a central sniper training center under the General Staff. He directed the Defense Ministry to begin producing high-quality camouflage uniforms tailored to the operational environments and seasonal conditions of sniper units starting this year.

Kim stressed the importance of focus, patience, and observation skills for snipers. He ordered the implementation of a comprehensive training methodology that includes environmental familiarization, target selection during offensive and defensive operations, concealment and movement techniques, selection and establishment of shooting positions, long-range precision shooting methods using various equipment, and the mastery of accurate firing techniques.

Kim reiterated the plan for the Party Central Military Commission to review the establishment of a central sniper training center under the General Staff. He also reaffirmed his instruction to the Defense Ministry regarding the production of specialized camouflage uniforms for sniper units.

North Korea’s focus on developing sniper units likely stems from its involvement in the Ukraine conflict. North Korean troops deployed to the Kursk region in October last year reportedly struggled with unfamiliar drone warfare in open terrain, prompting a study of modern combat tactics.

The promotion of the domestically developed new sniper rifle is seen as a demonstration of technological capabilities potentially acquired in exchange for military support to Russia. This development suggests that North Korea may continue to seek foreign currency through future troop deployments and arms exports.