South Korea observes indications that North Korea is mobilizing additional troops and drones for Russia

South Korea’s military reported on Monday that it has observed indications of North Korea‘s preparations to deploy additional troops and weaponry, including suicide drones, to Russia in support of its conflict in Ukraine.

According to Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), North Korea has already supplied 240mm multiple rocket launchers and 170mm self-propelled howitzers, and is reportedly gearing up to manufacture more suicide drones for shipment to Russia following a test overseen by leader Kim Jong Un last month.

A JCS official noted, “Suicide drones are a key focus for Kim Jong Un,” highlighting North Korea’s intention to provide these drones to Russia. These drones have been extensively utilized in the Ukraine conflict, and Kim has mandated their mass production along with updates to military strategy and training, citing the increasing global competition, as reported by state media.

Seoul, Washington, and Kyiv estimate that approximately 12,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia. The JCS indicated that at least 1,100 of these personnel have been killed or injured, aligning with a recent briefing from South Korea’s intelligence agency, which reported around 100 fatalities and another 1,000 injuries in the Kursk region.

The strengthening of military relations between Pyongyang and Moscow could present heightened risks to Seoul, particularly as North Korea modernizes its conventional forces, which are considered less advanced than those of the South, and gains valuable combat experience, according to the official.

In recent weeks, North Korea has sent up to 10,000 soldiers to the heavily fortified border area, aiming to transform it into a desolate zone while erecting barriers and barbed wire. However, the JCS noted that the number of troops in the area decreased to several hundred over the weekend.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) released images purportedly depicting a group of North Korean soldiers testing an electrified wire fence with a goat. Additionally, there is speculation that North Korea may conduct a test launch of an intermediate-range hypersonic missile around the end of the year, coinciding with the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, while also increasing the number of garbage balloons sent to South Korea. Since late May, North Korea has launched thousands of balloons carrying bags of trash, claiming it is a response to South Korean activists who have sent balloons with propaganda leaflets.

An official indicated that, with support from Russia, North Korea is likely to engage in various strategic provocations next year, including the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles and a potential nuclear test, aimed at strengthening its bargaining position with the United States.