North Korea has reportedly shipped over 33,000 containers to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. U.S. military analysts estimate that if these containers were filled with 152mm artillery shells, more than 15 million rounds could have been delivered to Russian forces.
According to intelligence obtained by South Korean lawmaker Kang Dae-sik from the Ministry of National Defense on March 1, North Korea has been supplying various weapons and munitions to Russia since February of this year.
The Defense Intelligence Agency reports that North Korea has provided Russia with approximately 220 units of 170mm self-propelled howitzers and 240mm multiple rocket launchers. The agency also believes that Pyongyang is continuously supplying 122mm and 152mm artillery shells, Bulsae-4 anti-tank missiles, short-range ballistic missiles, and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) anti-tank rockets to Moscow.
The agency further stated that the number of containers exported to Russia is estimated at around 33,000. If these containers were filled solely with 152mm artillery shells, it could amount to over 15 million rounds. This marks a significant increase from the approximately 28,000 containers North Korea had sent to Russia as of July last year, with an additional 6,000 containers of military supplies crossing the border since then.
The Defense Intelligence Agency also speculated about the potential redeployment of over 1,000 Russian troops who returned to North Korea in December. The agency noted that since October 2024, North Korea has deployed around 16,000 troops for border security missions. Additionally, about 1,000 North Korean personnel have been sent to Russia for reconstruction work.
The agency added that following the signing of a new treaty in June 2024 and the deployment of North Korean troops, military, diplomatic, and economic cooperation between North Korea and Russia has intensified. However, they cautioned that North Korea’s expectations regarding access to key military technologies and advanced industrial facilities have not been fully met, prompting continued close monitoring of these developments.