In a twist reminiscent of Cold War alliances, North Korean soldiers are now reportedly preparing to join the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Ukrainian battlefield has become infamous for its intensive use of drones, with frontline soldiers recognizing the whirring sounds of these unmanned aerial vehicles as a harbinger of impending danger. While Russian soldiers have gradually adapted to this new reality, the incoming North Korean troops face a steep learning curve as they confront advanced drone warfare technology for the first time.
The deployment of these North Korean troops represents a strategic pivot in North Korea’s military aims, potentially laying a foundation for combat experience that Pyongyang may later apply in other theaters, including the Korean Peninsula. However, as North Korean soldiers step onto a battlefield dominated by Ukrainian FPV (First-Person View) kamikaze drones, the question looms: Will they be able to withstand the demands of a modern, drone-centered war?
The introduction of North Korean soldiers to the Russian-Ukrainian front is likely to subject them to the same relentless drone attacks that have plagued Russian forces. The Ukrainian military has significantly elevated its use of FPV drones—cost-effective yet devastatingly efficient devices capable of targeting high-value enemy assets. With production set to ramp up in 2024, Ukraine aims to produce over a million FPV drones, a volume that dwarfs the entire artillery output of the European Union in the past year.
Despite their modest cost, which can be as low as $500 per unit, these drones have repeatedly proved their worth by disabling or destroying sophisticated Russian equipment. Their ability to navigate the battlefield, locate vulnerable spots on enemy vehicles such as open hatches or engine compartments, and strike with precision makes them more accurate than traditional artillery. Unlike stationary artillery, FPV drones can pursue and hit moving targets, forcing soldiers to stay on high alert at all times.
It remains uncertain whether the North Korean soldiers, largely trained for more conventional combat scenarios, will adapt to this intense form of warfare, where drones play a pivotal role in nearly every military maneuver.
The alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang has roots in the Korean War when the Soviet Union supplied North Korea with weapons and even pilots. This historical connection now brings North Korean troops to Russia’s borders, underscoring a renewed partnership based on shared opposition to Western influence and military interests. In line with the 2024 agreement signed by Russian and North Korean leaders, approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been stationed in Russia since October. This deployment marks the first instance in decades where North Korean troops have participated in a foreign conflict, underscoring North Korea’s bid for combat experience and its eagerness to test and refine its military strategies.
According to reports, these troops will primarily be stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, a significant deployment location due to its proximity to the Ukraine-Russia border. Analysts suggest that Pyongyang views this as a valuable opportunity to observe and engage in modern combat tactics—knowledge that could be transferable to potential future conflicts in the Korean Peninsula.
Since the onset of hostilities in Ukraine, both sides have heavily integrated drone technology into their military operations. This has reshaped the battlefield, allowing smaller, agile forces to inflict significant damage on larger, more heavily armed enemies. The war has witnessed a vast range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), from lightweight, hand-launched reconnaissance drones to heavier, armed models capable of carrying munitions and targeting armored vehicles. Drone footage has become a near-daily feature, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces publicizing their UAV strikes on social media platforms, showcasing the destruction of tanks, artillery, and other high-value military assets.
Every major Ukrainian brigade now includes a dedicated drone assault unit, with reconnaissance drones becoming standard in most field units. Drones have also played a crucial role in guiding artillery, enabling highly accurate strikes that minimize collateral damage and maximize the impact on enemy forces. The transformation of drone warfare in Ukraine has compelled military analysts worldwide to rethink traditional combat strategies and recognize drones’ growing significance in modern warfare.
For North Korean forces, their introduction to drone warfare is likely to be both challenging and enlightening. While North Korea possesses a substantial military, most of its equipment is Soviet-era and lacks modern enhancements, putting these soldiers at a disadvantage in a tech-driven combat environment. Most North Korean troops have limited or no experience in combat beyond guarding the heavily fortified border with South Korea, a role that, while essential, has not prepared them for the highly dynamic and technologically advanced battlefield in Ukraine.
It’s speculated that North Korean forces may assume roles akin to Russia’s border guards, freeing up Russian soldiers to reinforce the active frontlines. However, the North Korean soldiers’ relative inexperience in conventional warfare and their lack of exposure to joint military training exercises could hinder their effectiveness. Combat in Ukraine may force these soldiers to confront logistical and strategic challenges for which they are unprepared, risking both physical and psychological strain.
The Russia-North Korea military alliance has raised alarms in the West, with concerns over the potential transfer of combat strategies and advanced technology to Pyongyang. North Korea has reportedly provided Russia with KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles, a nuclear-capable weapon designed for potential deployment against South Korea. North Korea’s access to real-time combat data from Ukraine may enable it to refine its military strategies and enhance the effectiveness of its own weapons systems, including the KN-23.
For the United States and South Korea, the idea of a militarily strengthened North Korea is particularly troubling. Pyongyang’s participation in the Russia-Ukraine war could result in tactical knowledge that it could later apply against its Southern neighbor, significantly altering the security landscape in East Asia. The evolving alliance between Russia and North Korea, built on mutual benefits and strategic aims, is likely to have long-term consequences for the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has become a testing ground for not only drones but also for other emerging technologies, such as unmanned naval craft, cyber warfare, and electronic countermeasures. Countries worldwide are carefully studying Ukraine’s drone strategies, recognizing the potential for similar tactics in future conflicts. Militaries in both Europe and Asia have started incorporating insights from Ukraine, adopting or adapting new technologies, and investing heavily in their drone capabilities.
The conflict in Ukraine has also highlighted the advantages of low-cost, agile warfare, which relies less on expensive, complex equipment and more on easily replicable technology. The effectiveness of Ukraine’s drones, many of which are improvised or commercially available models, has underscored the viability of smaller militaries countering larger forces by exploiting technological innovations.
Drones have not only been pivotal for Ukraine but have also limited Russia’s battlefield options. Russian military assets, particularly tanks and other armored vehicles, have been pushed back from the frontlines to avoid detection and destruction by drones. This shift in tactics has hampered Russian advances, making it difficult for them to maintain a strong offensive posture. In response, Russian forces have tried to improve their electronic warfare capabilities to counter Ukrainian drones, with varying degrees of success.
For North Korea, the opportunity to witness these strategies firsthand may spur innovation in its own military tactics, particularly in drone usage and countermeasures. North Korea’s ability to absorb lessons from Ukraine could shape its military posture on the Korean Peninsula, potentially leading to more sophisticated anti-drone defenses and improved offensive drone strategies. This knowledge could prove instrumental in future confrontations with South Korea and other adversaries.
