North Korea’s military has gained attention following accusations from the United States, South Korea, and Ukraine this week, alleging that Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to Russia, possibly to prepare for involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

Here are some key facts and estimates regarding the Korean People’s Army (KPA) and other components of North Korea‘s military:

WHAT IS THE SIZE OF NORTH KOREA’S MILITARY?

The KPA boasts approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel, making it one of the largest military forces globally, surpassed only by significantly larger nations like China and the United States.

Data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a prominent think tank, indicates that North Korea also maintains around 600,000 reservists and 5.7 million members of the Worker/Peasant Red Guard, among various unarmed units. The KPA is organized into several branches, including the army, air force, navy, and strategic forces, which are equipped with ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

North Korea is recognized as one of the most militarized nations worldwide, with mandatory military service for all males aged 17 to 30, lasting between 3 and 12 years.

The air force is estimated to comprise about 110,000 personnel, while the navy has around 60,000 members.

North Korea is recognized as one of the nine nations globally that possess nuclear weapons. The country has developed a variety of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which range from short-range tactical systems to large intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could potentially strike any location within the United States.

The Korean People’s Army (KPA) maintains a substantial inventory of conventional military assets, although a significant portion of this equipment is aging and outdated. This includes Soviet-era tanks like the T-34, various Chinese models, and domestically manufactured tanks such as the Chonma-ho and Songun-ho. According to the South Korean military’s 2022 Defense White Paper, the KPA’s armored and mechanized divisions are equipped with over 6,900 tanks and armored vehicles.

In terms of air power, North Korea operates more than 400 fighter aircraft, 80 light bombers, and over 200 transport planes, as reported by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). However, many of these aircraft are relics from the Soviet era, with some estimated to be between 40 to 80 years old, and may not be operational or included in the active fleet.

The Korean People’s Army Naval Force (KPANF) consists of approximately 470 surface vessels, which include guided missile ships, torpedo boats, small patrol craft, and fire support boats, according to South Korea’s 2022 Defense White Paper. The navy also operates around 70 submarines, including Soviet-era Romeo-class submarines and smaller midget submarines. Recently, North Korea has sought to enhance its naval capabilities by introducing new nuclear assets, such as an underwater drone, advanced warships, and its first operational missile submarine.

HOW DOES NORTH KOREA USE ITS MILITARY?

North Korea strategically utilizes its military primarily along the 248-kilometer (154-mile) Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates it from South Korea. The Korean People’s Army (KPA) has focused on developing asymmetric capabilities to address perceived deficiencies, which include special operations forces, weapons of mass destruction such as chemical and biological agents, and artillery systems aimed at Seoul.

The advancement of ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities has become increasingly central to North Korea’s military strategy. The regime asserts that its nuclear arsenal and the ballistic missiles designed to deliver them are essential for countering perceived threats from the United States and its allies, who were adversaries during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

Additionally, North Korea maintains a cyber warfare unit comprising approximately 6,800 personnel dedicated to advancing its cyber capabilities, as reported in South Korea’s defense white paper.

HOW MUCH MONEY DOES NORTH KOREA SPEND ON DEFENCE?

In terms of defense spending, military expenditures represented an estimated 20% to 30% of North Korea’s GDP annually from 2010 to 2020, according to The World Factbook by the CIA. Recently, North Korea announced plans to allocate nearly 16% of its state budget to defense.