North Korea is ramping up its drone development efforts, leveraging tactical experiences from the Ukraine conflict and support from Russia, according to an assessment released on Thursday.
In a report titled, The Strategic Significance of North Korea’s Enhanced Drone Capabilities and Cooperation with Russia, Kim Bo-mi, a deputy researcher at the Institute for National Security Strategy, concluded that Pyongyang recognizes the strategic importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The regime is swiftly integrating drones into its military doctrine while bolstering its tactical capabilities through the development of kamikaze and reconnaissance drones, as well as the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Deputy Researcher Kim highlighted several key developments: North Korean state media reported Kim’s inspection of a drone research institute last August; in November, the leader personally oversaw performance tests of various kamikaze drones; an AI-guided kamikaze drone targeting artillery was spotted in March; and in May, Kim attended a military exercise featuring attack drones carrying explosives. These events indicate that North Korea has moved beyond the development and testing phase, actively integrating drones into its operational tactical systems.
The rapid advancement of North Korea’s drone production capabilities is likely bolstered by Russian support.
Previously, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Agency, disclosed in an interview with The War Zone in June that Russia and North Korea had agreed to establish production facilities for drones, including the Russian-produced Garpiya and the Russian version of the Iranian Shahed kamikaze drone, known as Geran, within North Korean borders.
Additionally, Andrii Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, claimed that Russia is transferring Shahed-136 kamikaze drone technology to North Korea and collaborating on production lines and missile development.
While Moscow and Pyongyang have not officially confirmed these allegations, suspicions about their cooperation in drone development continue to grow.
Deputy Researcher Kim stated that if these reports are accurate, the drone cooperation between North Korea and Russia carries significant strategic implications for security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, extending beyond mere technological exchange. He emphasized that this collaboration could potentially disrupt the military balance in the region.
Deputy Researcher Kim added that as military ties between North Korea and Russia strengthen, South Korea and the U.S. will likely reassess their air defense and missile defense systems while bolstering security cooperation to counter emerging drone threats. Further noting that this could destabilize existing deterrence structures and increase security uncertainties in the region.
Furthermore, the North Korea-Russia drone partnership may accelerate the erosion of sanctions against North Korea, potentially revitalizing its defense industry. Researcher Kim assessed that Pyongyang could secure essential military supplies through its connection with Moscow while expanding its foreign currency income by exporting completed weapon systems. He concluded that this would enhance North Korea’s economic self-reliance, creating a vicious cycle that feeds back into military reinforcement.
